The Assam government is exploring alternative cultivation options for farmers in Sivasagar district who have been severely affected by the recent floods, with many expected to miss the current farming season, Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika said.
Addressing a press conference, Hazarika said the Agriculture and Irrigation departments had jointly reviewed the extent of crop losses and discussed measures to assist affected farmers.
He said nearly one lakh families in Sivasagar had been impacted by the floods, while agricultural land and crops belonging to around 60,000 farming families had suffered extensive damage. The government has already begun arrangements to supply paddy seeds and seedlings to enable farmers to restart cultivation wherever possible.
Hazarika said many farmers may be unable to cultivate their fields this season because of the flood damage, prompting the government to consider alternative agricultural options to sustain their livelihoods.
He added that the state is also prepared to provide fruit saplings to affected farmers and facilitate the cultivation of rabi crops as part of its rehabilitation efforts.
Officials from the Agriculture and Irrigation departments will conduct detailed assessments of crop losses and prepare a comprehensive list of affected farmers to ensure the timely implementation of relief and rehabilitation measures.
The initiative is intended to help flood-affected farming families recover from the losses and restore agricultural activities in Sivasagar district.
