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Iridhaan brings ray of hope to Barpeta farmers

By Correspondent - 15 Sep 2010 12:00 AM GMT

KALGACHIA, June 7 � As the monsoon carried ample showers of rain to Assam in time, iridhaan cultivated in the low-lying and riverine areas of west Barpeta has grown bountifully. The farmers are living by the riverside who are badly affected by flood and devastating erosion every year have seen this time an ample ray of hope in the paddy-cultivation.

Many hectares of land in the district have been washed away by the erosion caused by the Brahmaputra, Beki and Bhelengi rivers particularly in Jania and Baghbar LAC leading to misery of thousands of families. But, barring the supply of some seasonal seeds, the Government did not take up any fruitful scheme for the affected farmers, sometimes it is alleged that due to the apathy of the departmental officers and employees Govt supplied seeds do not reach the concerned farmers on time.

However, it is a good sign that without relying on government relief, farmers this time have given utmost interest and importance to the production of iridhaan, a costly summer crop. About 80 per cent farmers this year cultivated iridhaan. Even in riverine areas of Beki and Brahmaputra this crop has grown abundantly. As the sowing of its seeds starts before the advent of monsoon the paddy-fields are irrigated with shallow machine at the farmers� own cost. But this year the advanced and heavy rainfall has brought a good deal of relief to the farmers. Thus the beautiful scenery of green and then golden iridhaan growing in low-lying areas of West Barpeta would attract anybody�s attention. But what is of concern is that because of absence of irrigation system, the poor and small farmers have to bear excessive cost. Besides, abnormal hike in the price of fertilizer and pesticide has added to the farmers� woes. It needs Rs 700-800 to spray fertilizer on one bigha irifield.

Despite all these hurdles the farmers concentrated their mind on this crop only to overcome the food crisis created by the last few years erosion. If weather remains friendly to them much more paddy will be produced in this area than needed. But the heavy rain during the last few days has crated hurdles for the farmers in reaping and harvesting their paddy.

Not only confined to paddy cultivation, the farmers have also been successful in producing mustard, pulses, wheat, capsicum etc. by cultivating several crops during the year they have been able to strengthen the agricultural economy of this area. Even the educated section being involved in agricultural activities not only has initiated green revolution but also exhibited an example of being self-reliant.