Scanty rainfall threatens Phek farmers

Kuzhovesa Soho
Phek | July 21

The delayed monsoon in northern parts of India might impact the territory of paddy in Phek district, with no rainfall for the last 16 days. The delayed monsoon that has caused scanty rainfall or say ‘very little distribution’ in Phek has put the farmers in a lot of worry. Some farmers expressed “surprise” over the extreme delay appearance of monsoon unlike the previous years. The delay and scarcity of monsoon in the district has not only affected the paddy but also the horticultural crops and the fish seeds as well. 

Interacting with this media correspondent, Thuputhiyi S.Venuh, Vice Chairman, Phek District Farmers’ Union (PDFU) said that unlike previous years, the amount of rainfall in the region is still insufficient for the farmers where hardly only 70% of the paddy was cultivated in Phek Village and in the meantime 30% are still waiting for the arrival of monsoon. It has also been noticed that complete absence of rainfall in the last 16 days has dried up at least 25% of the cultivated paddy. Venuh also added that the horticultural crops and fish seeds are also affected in huge quantity.

“The partial rain which reached our paddies more than two weeks back, indeed woke us from our deep slumber.  However, we are trapped in a half way, where our cultivated paddies have started dying up with no additional source of water supply. Both cultivated and uncultivated paddies are found cracked in many parts of the district. The horticultural crops where the farming community could opt as their alternative cultivation are also found decayed in many places,” Venuh added. Usually, the cultivation of paddy is done within the month of May to 1st week of August after which despite efforts, no good harvest can be carried out. This factor has also increased the farmers’ fear of an unexpected outcome.

The Village councils of Khomi and Losami have also reported that barely 50% of their paddies are cultivated. The VCC of Middle Khomi Village while talking to this correspondent over phone, complaint that even their horticultural crops were being badly hampered following the excessive sun heat exploiting their lands, observing the pathetic situation. The VCC informed that he was on his way down to the concerned department at Phek to discuss the pathetic matter and at the same sought some advised of alternative cropping /cultivation. 

Sharing pains and sorrows of his community, M. Khomi VCC, further urged the government to initiate some measures at the earliest to rescue the common people, if this situation continues without further improvement. In a separate disclosure, the Losami VCC stated that, only 1/3 of their paddies were done, with no rainfall for the last 16 days most of the farmers’ spent their time on their canals in order to maintain their paddy from being dried up. He said is also reportedly planning to approach the department concerned to opt for alternative cropping/cultivation other then paddy cultivation. 

Referring to the people of Peren and Jalukie who fasted, seeking the arrival of monsoon, the PDFU Vice Chairman suggested, the Church Ministry in the community should chalked out programme to carry out the same for the larger interest of the community.