Imphal: Four ministerial teams on Saturday reviewed the prevailing drought situation by making field visits to paddy fields.
The state cabinet had discussed the issue of drought in the state twice and as a follow up of a Cabinet decision four different teams went around the state to have a direct field assessment.
A team led by Commerce and Industries Minister K Govindas and IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip went to Bishenpur district, another team led by Education Minister M Okendro and RD&PR Minister Francis Ngajokpa went to Thoubal district.
A team led by Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar and Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai surveyed Imphal West district while the last team led by Speaker Th Lokeshore and PHE Minister I Hemochandra inspected Imphal East district.
Agriculture department officials assisted the ministerial teams.
The government has decided to make fertiliser available at subsidised rate.
The ministerial teams on Saturday assured to arrange irrigation works by providing diesel at subsidised rate.
So far Manipur has received only 63 per cent of the average rainfall rate generally received during Kharif season.
In 2009 Manipur received 43 per cent rainfall and drought was declared but this time the state government has not yet declared drought.
The reports of the teams will be later submitted to the State Cabinet to take a final decision. Officials said about 50 per cent of the agricultural land is not cultivable and most paddy fields have dried up. The state government is also chalking out a plan to meet any eventuality. (UNI)
