The Assam government is considering alternative cultivation options for farmers in Sivasagar district whose crops were damaged in the recent floods, as many are expected to miss the current agricultural season. The move is aimed at helping affected families restore their livelihoods and reduce the impact of crop losses.Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika said the state government has held discussions with the Agriculture and Irrigation departments to assess the extent of damage caused by the floods and prepare a plan to support farmers.According to the minister, nearly one lakh families in Sivasagar district have been affected by the floods. Of these, around 60,000 farming families have suffered damage to their agricultural land and standing crops, making it difficult for many to continue cultivation this season.
Hazarika said the government has already started making arrangements to supply paddy seeds and seedlings so that farmers can resume agricultural activities wherever conditions permit.”Many people may not be able to cultivate their fields this year due to the impact of the floods. Therefore, the state government is considering alternative farming options,” he said.The minister added that the government is also ready to distribute fruit saplings to affected farmers as part of its rehabilitation efforts. In addition, preparations are being made to support the cultivation of rabi crops so that farmers who have lost their kharif crops can still earn an income in the next farming season.
Officials from the Agriculture and Irrigation departments will carry out a detailed assessment of the damage in the affected areas. They will prepare a comprehensive list of farmers who have suffered losses, along with details of damaged agricultural land and crops, to ensure that relief and rehabilitation measures reach the intended beneficiaries.
