Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 28:
Famine is looming at large in Tamenglong district due to the poor harvest this year.
Jhum harvesting is over now and jhum farmers are putting their fingers cross contemplating what fate is in store for them in the coming year.
The main factor for the crop failure had been due to scanty rainfall during the monsoon season.
Reports from various areas in the whole of Tamenglong district said that this year�s harvest had not scaled even to half of the previous year�s.Chaton, Ileng, Langmei, Takou, Lamlaba, and the surronding Katang, Tamah, Kuilong and many villages under Tamei sub-division of Tamenglong district have been reported doomed in this year�s harvest.
Reports received from Tousem subdivision, Nungba subdivision and other interior villages of the district have experienced poor harvest.
Farmers in the hilly Tamenglong district heavily practise the jhum type of cultivation and the rain water has been the main source for crops sustenance as wet cultivation or to have irrigations is expensive due to geographical factor.
Farmers narrated that during the months of June/July this year the paddy plants become yellowish grey due to want of water.
And the plants turned smoky grey after a couple of month which was the period of blooming/pollination.
Hence instead of bearing paddy it was a husk harvest, rued the farmers.