Rain adds to misery of farmers

SHILLONG: Following reports of agricultural land being submerged in different parts of the state after incessant rain, the Agriculture Department is monitoring and assessing the damage caused to the farming community to dole out compensation as and where needed.
Informing this here on Monday, Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh said the department is very concerned and is constantly monitoring the situation.
“We will provide all help and compensation to the farmers if need be,” Lyngdoh said.
Admitting that agriculture land in many areas of Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills have been affected following the rain, he informed that necessary instructions have been issued to the officials of the department to take stock of the situation and submit a report.
“If required senior officers might visit the area to take stock of the situation”, he said.
He also informed that he had several rounds of discussion with the chief minister and the deputy chief minister, who are also constantly monitoring the situation.
“Once the report is submitted, the department will accordingly take steps to help the affected farmers,” he added.
Much of the cultivation land has been partly or fully submerged. Although there is no assessment to the damage caused to the crops, it is likely that the farmers are at the receiving end at least in some parts of the state.