Govt alarmed over rodent problem

Nagaland Government has sounded alarm over the unusual multiplication of rodents and the tremendous damage done to the plants and crops and proliferation of grasshoppers in the state.
A high level meeting was held in the Secretariat conference hall today to draw up action plan to deal with rodent problem and the grasshoppers. Chief Secretary Lalhuma who attended the meeting suggested forming a multi disciplinary action involving Agriculture, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Forest, Home Department and Rural Development. He stressed on the need to conduct assessment survey in the most affected areas of Jalukie. He said that the menace of rodents, whether it was localized or widespread in the state, should be inquired. Even though the damage done by the grasshoppers were not reported, the Chief Secretary said there was an urgent need to take measures to mitigate the problem. Principal Secretary, Alemtemshi said that every department, particularly the Agriculture and allied departments had to be activated to deal with the situation. A slide presentation on the problem of rodents in Jalukie area was viewed and the meeting decided to form two state level teams to assess the rodent and grasshopper in the state.