Ranchi, May 17: The Jharkhand government has entered a state of high alert due to concerns over low rainfall and the potential for drought this year. Following predictions from the meteorological department indicating below-average precipitation, the agriculture department has expedited the preparation of contingency plans for each district.
Efforts are underway to provide relief to farmers, promote alternative farming methods, and ensure timely access to seeds and irrigation facilities. In this regard, the Kharif Mela will be held across all districts on May 20 and at the block level on May 22. Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey stated that forecasts suggest a weak monsoon this year, raising fears of drought-like conditions. The government is proactively preparing to minimize losses for farmers.
The minister has instructed all district agricultural officers to develop contingency plans for their respective areas. She emphasized that timing is crucial for farmers. Delays in seed supply and irrigation can severely impact farming. Officers have been urged to operate “like an army,” with district agricultural officers designated as nodal officers to coordinate all agricultural units effectively. The government has devised a strategy to promote crops that require less water.
In hilly areas, there is a focus on cultivating crops such as maize, ragi, urad, moong, arhar, and soybean. Preparations are also underway to provide seeds for rice varieties that mature quickly. The Kharif Mela on May 20 is expected to see participation from 500 progressive farmers at the district level, while the block-level event on May 22 will include 50 farmers from each panchayat. The fairs will provide information on soil testing, seed distribution, irrigation techniques, and government schemes.
The agriculture minister has mandated that the restoration of state ponds must be completed by the end of May. Additionally, she has called for the swift completion of tender processes for solar pumps, drip irrigation, and timely distribution of veterinary medicines. According to the minister, the government is preparing to compensate both tenant and landless farmers for crop losses through the Jharkhand State Crop Relief Scheme.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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