Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has said the state government would formulate a comprehensive action plan to help farmers who were facing a drought like situation. Sangma said yesterday that a comprehensive action plan will be formulated keeping in mind foreseeable impact due to climate change. He said, where paddy is no more suitable, alternative crops will be suggested to the farmers using suitable scientific interventions.The measure was being taken following reports of several agricultural fields in the state becoming unfit for the usual rice plantation due to water scarcity. Talking to a news agency, the chief minister said, a large number of farmers especially in the Garo Hills region have suffered tremendously due to water scarcity and there is an urgent need to tackle the situation at the highest level. Sangma, who convened a high level review meeting of all line departments in Shillong, has asked the deputy commissioners of at least five Garo Hills districts to submit a factual report to the government by tomorrow for requisite intervention. Stating that there was over 41 per cent deficit in rainfall this year, Sangma said, steps would be taken for the betterment of the irrigation projects and advocated for the urgent need for regenerating the state's green cover. He said, interim measures were being considered to support farmers to enable them utilise their land.
News On AIR | August 13, 2014 9:16 AM
Meghalaya to formulate plan to aid farmers facing drought