Ranchi: Agriculture Secretary Abu Bakkar Siddikh has instructed all the agriculture officials to spread wide publicity among the farmers for alternative farming in all the districts to deal with the drought-like situation being created in the state. He directed all the officials to extend all possible help to the farmers to deal with it. He was holding a review meeting with the District Agriculture Officers in virtual mode on the drought-like situation arising in the state.
The Secretary also directed all the districts to continuously monitor the current situation and form a task force under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner. In this meeting, all the District Agriculture Officers were asked about the rainfall in their district, the status of paddy transplantation, the current status of sowing of maize, pulses, oilseeds, and coarse cereals, as well as in the light of the possibility of scanty rainfall, in relation to alternative farming and its preparation.
Detailed review and discussion took place. So far the state has received only 50 percent rainfall and only 15 percent of paddy has been planted. However, the sowing of maize, pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals is satisfactory. About 18 districts have received 50 percent or less rainfall. In the Kolhan division, except for East Singhbhum and West Singhbhum districts, all other districts have recorded below-normal rainfall, which is worrying.
However, from the month of July interactions are being organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra for alternate farming continuously and farmers are being motivated for alternative farming through Krishak Mitra, ATM/BTM. Paddy is planted in the state till August 15, if there is good rain in the coming weeks, then the planting of paddy can be up to 30-40 percent.
For the availability of seeds of maize, pulses, oilseeds, and coarse cereals for alternative cultivation, demand is being made for seeds from the National Seed Corporation through the Government of India. Along with this, an action plan for alternative farming is also being prepared to deal with situations like drought.