HT Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, July 25: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday stated that the state government will be compelled to officially declare a drought if the current rainfall deficit does not improve in the coming days.
Addressing reporters on the sidelines of an event in Dibrugarh, the Chief Minister informed that the situation is being closely monitored.
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He noted that while the paddy planting season in Assam typically continues until August, prolonged lack of rainfall could adversely affect agricultural activities.
“In Assam, paddy sowing generally continues till August. We also have a short-duration paddy variety called Bina Dhan-11, which matures in about three months. However, if the state does not receive adequate rainfall soon, we will be left with no option but to declare a drought,” Sarma said.
He further assured that the state government has put in place contingency measures to address any eventuality.
If a drought is declared, farmers would be provided relief through schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).
“We have already made necessary arrangements. In the event of a drought declaration, farmers will be supported under the PMFBY and SDRF,” the chief minister added.
As per official data, 27 out of 35 districts in Assam have been identified as experiencing a rainfall deficit.
Earlier this week, the state government had declared a drought-like situation in five districts—Baksa, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dhubri and Kokrajhar.
