Correspondent
With Nagaland in the grip of deficit rainfall, agriculture production commissioner (APC), Y Kikheto Sema on Monday, said that prime minister, Narendra Modi’s vision of doubling farmer’s income by 2022 would hit a road block.
Addressing the media after a book launch programme at Hotel Japfü, Kikheto said without rain, there was “no chance to double crop production” since there was “no road connectivity leading to the farmers.”
While stating that deficit rainfall has caused too much harm to cultivation and the water table, agriculture production commissioner opined that the idea of drip irritation was not feasible in the hilly terrain of Nagaland.
It may be mentioned that the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) declared “drought of a moderate nature” in the entire state for six months from September 2021-March 2022.
With drought like situation in the previous year, Kikheto informed that a team of experts from the ministry would be visiting the state around April 22-23 to carry out an assessment in order to understand the scenario.
He maintained that although the age-old practice of Jhum cultivation could not be avoided, it was “not economically viable and ecologically suitable” with the growing population at present.
With about 450 sq km reduced every year, agriculture production commissioner urged upon the scientists and researchers to come forward and bring out ways to improve the traditional system.
While stating that he proposed for a separate college for Jhum or a subject on it in his meeting with the DGP, secretary of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) which is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture.
With regard to fall armyworm (FAW) infestation in the previous year, Kikheto said the state was “ready” to battle the infestation this year.
He informed that though monetary compensation could not be given to the farming community as it was not under the ministry, he however assured that seeds were re-distributed to farmers who experienced the infestation.