Chizokho Vero
Kohima | August 11
Talking to media persons on the sidelines of dedicating a multipurpose hall at Indira Gandhi Stadium here today, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today said the state’s Cabinet will be discussing swine flu in a meeting August 12.
However, the matter of swine flu would be one among other adendas such as healthcare and education, it was said. On being asked what step the government is going to take on the outbreak of swine flu in the country, Rio said the government was not actually prepared at the moment. On the other hand, Rio said the government was taking precautionary measures. Rio said it would have a cabinet sitting tomorrow to discuss this matter, and also on health care and education.
Rio, cabinet ministers to meet PM
Meanwhile, the chief minister along with his cabinet ministers will be heading for New Delhi next week to meet with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Home minister and other union ministers to discuss matter pertaining to political and developmental issues. He said it will submit a kind of memorandum to the Centre on political and developmental issues.
Rio said that the entire cabinet is going to meet the prime minister and other Union ministers by next week to discuss political and development matters such as setting up of medical colleges, an airport and railways among others.
On the matter of late arrival of rains where cultivation has been affected in Nagaland this year, Rio informed that the state government has already declared drought-like condition prevailing in Nagaland. He said assessment on the extent of crops failure has been started in the state.
He was of the apprehension that the crops already planted are also not going to fetch good harvest this year due to the late arrival of rains. It may be recalled that Rio, in July, petitioned Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for intervention once the state approaches the central government for assistance after making detailed assessment of the crops failure in Nagaland. Rio highlighted the plight of Nagaland due to the serious climatic conditions that is prevailing which is affecting the lives of the people.
Pointing out that agriculture is the mainstay of the people of Nagaland who are dependent on rain Rio said that the weather conditions this year has been erratic and alarming. Rains have been delayed by almost two months and whatever rainfall the state has been receiving now is far below the normal average which is a meager 37.01%, the lowest recorded during the last five years. Paddy cultivation, jhum fields, and horticultural fruits, have been adversely affected, Rio said.
He also informed of various reported unusual pest and insect infestations affecting crops aside from the extensive damage caused to various crops by rodents, especially in Peren district. Small and marginal farmers are facing difficulties in pursuing their activities and this would seriously affect their livelihood, Rio said. Rio also said that once the detailed assessment of the extent of crop failure is completed, the state government would be approaching the Government of India for necessary assistance for the affected farmers.
