Difficult Times for Kheroni Farmers, Irrigation Department to Blame?

Kheroni, Karbi Anglong: Farmers of Kheroni in Karbi Anglong district of Assam are a worried lot. They have not yet been able to sow paddy seedlings due to lack of sufficient water. The farmers get water from the irrigation project located at Matikhola. But the excessive water flow from the hills damaged the dam three months ago which is yet to be repaired. Local farmers alleged that the Irrigation Department has not taken the matter seriously. Due to which farmers from around 10 villages of the area could not sow seedlings till today.

Also Read|Fallout of the Govt not Heeding to Experts' Recommendations of COVID-19

Worriedd about their future, the farmers are spending sleepless nights. They are now requesting the district administration to solve the matter urgently. The farmers have alleged that Executive Engineer Nikunjan Das and Junior Engineer Swamin Ahmed posted at the Matikhola Irrigation Department Office have completely ignored the issue leading to the problem of the farmers. Vast expanse of land belonging to the farmers is lying idle and the farmers are staring at a bleak future.

"If the water resources department does not fix the dam and the irrigation department does not provide us with the necessary water supply, we will die of starvation. Already due to Covid we have not been able to do anything else for a living. Now if we cannot cultivate our land, what are we going to eat? What will I feed my children, my family? Who will take care of them?" a farmer asked.

Also Read|Rs 404 Crore Sanctioned for State Farmers: Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora

The farmers also demanded the Karbi Autonomous Council to take necessary steps to end the problem being faced by them.

This is the Kharif season when farmers sow paddy and other crops like maize, different types of pulses, and harvest by October. The first week of June is already gone and they have even tilled their land.

Also Read|How to Claim PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) Benefits?

The farmers are also worried about the floods. This is the time when Assam faces the fury of flood every year and farmers lose their crops.

Also Read: COVID Impact: From Sound Technician to Farmer and Now Penniless

Also Watch: