Govt assesses crop situation

With the rain deficit in south Bengal triggering fears of Kharif crop failure, agriculture department officials today held a stock-taking meeting to prepare the course of action to avoid fall of Aman rice production.

Agriculture department officials said if rains continue to elude the south Bengal districts, about 5 lakh hectares of farmland will remain uncultivated during the Kharif season.

Therefore, production of Aman paddy is expected to come down by a large quantity. On an average, 110 lakh tonnes of Aman rice is produced each year. If rain deficit continues, the production of Aman rice is expected to drop by about 10-12 lakh tonnes, officials anticipate.

"We expect normal showers late this month. If it occurs, we would be in a position to cover the gap. But if rain continues to elude us, there is a possibility of fall in production of Aman paddy. Keeping this in mind, we have taken some measures. Emphasis has been given on alternative farming," an agriculture department source said.

Seed Corporation has been requested to ensure adequate supply of seed to farmers.

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