TEZPUR, Aug 11 - Flood-hit farmers of the greater Binaguri area are facing a tough time as their seedlings got destroyed completely in the recent wave of flood caused by the river Brahmaputra. Over 10 villages, including Rangamati, Bhalukexwa, Jakorwasuk, Jarani, Bardubia, Kamarshuk, Pithakhwa, Tinikhoria, Madanpal, Puthimari, Bapubheti, Puthimari (Boro Gaon), (Puthimari Das Gaon) situated on the southern part of NH-15 under Bihaguri mouza in Sonitpur district were completely submerged.
Though the flood situation has improved, it has been followed by a drought-like situation compounding the woes of the farmers. Farmers of these villages said that they are already late for plantation in their paddy fields. In the meantime, seedling shortage and a drought-like situation have again led the farmers to a critical condition. �This time we are losers from all sides. We lost everything in the floods and now the seasonal khali cultivation will also be an incomplete due to the scarcity of seedlings, following the recent wave of flood.� The farmers lamented that the Agriculture department is totally indifferent to their plight.
�In Tezpur area though, under the initiative of the local representative, some distressed farmers have been helped out with seedlings relieving them somewhat, it is not sufficient. So we urge the department to sincerely deal with our problem,� they reiterated.
