IMPHAL, July 12 � Deficient rain in Manipur has created a drought-like situation affecting paddy fields in the highlands of Senapati and Tamenglong districts.
Lack of adequate rainfall has delayed transplantation of paddy seedling in Noney area in Tamenglong district. Farmers of Noney area said the problem has been further compounded by non-availability of proper irrigation system in their terrace paddy fields.
The farmers of Noney, Marangching, Lukhambi and Awangkhul areas in the Zeliangrong tribe dominated hill district have urged the authority to provide water pump sets and other equipments to facilitate irrigation of their fields.
�Water from Ejei and Eril streams could be utilised for the dry paddy fields�, said a farmer in Noney over phone. �We could have completed planting latest by first week of July.� Farmers of Tadubi, Purul and Paomata blocks in Senapati district are also yet to complete paddy plantation in their fields due to lack of monsoon rains.
�More than 60 per cent of our terrace fields are lying barren due to deficient rain this year�, Ngaoning, a farmer from Oklong area in Senapati district said.
The farming community of Senapati district wants the State Government to help in resolving the situation. The State had faced a drought-like situation in 2009 too.
