SHILLONG: Farmers in Garo Hills have demanded immediate declaration of drought in all the districts in the region.
The demand was raised at a Krishak Samellan (meeting of farmers) that took place recently in Ampati and was attended by more than 2,500 farmers, according to BJP’s farmers’ wing.
The participants expressed shock over the fact that till July 30 when the meeting took place, the government had not done anything to address the problems being faced by farmers.
“The cultivation season is ending and by now, the farmers should have completed 70-80 per cent cultivation whereas they could cultivate only 5-10 per cent. So they are worried as to what to do,” said KC Boro, state president, Kisan Morcha.
After a thorough discussion on various problems faced by farmers including drought, the meeting adopted a resolution that says there is a need to form a District Level ‘Krishak Sangha’.
A memorandum on the present drought situation and other problems being faced by farmers will be submitted to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mahan Singh.
Deputy Commissioner, South West Garo Hills, Ram Kumar, who was to attend the Samellan could not do so as he was unwell.