Assam govt mulls alternative crops for flood-hit farmers in Sivasagar: Pijush Hazarika

The Assam government is considering alternative cultivation options for farmers affected by the recent floods in Sivasagar district, with many likely to miss the current agricultural season, Minister Pijush Hazarika said.

Addressing a press conference, Hazarika said discussions had been held with the Agriculture and Irrigation departments to assess the scale of crop damage and formulate measures to support affected farmers.

According to the minister, around one lakh families in Sivasagar district have been affected by the floods, while agricultural land and crops belonging to nearly 60,000 families have suffered damage.

He said the government has already initiated arrangements for the supply of paddy seeds and seedlings to help farmers resume cultivation.

“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,” Hazarika said.

The government is also prepared to provide fruit saplings to affected farmers and make necessary arrangements for the cultivation of rabi crops, he added.

Officials from the concerned departments will assess the damage and prepare a detailed list of affected farmers and agricultural losses to facilitate the implementation of relief and rehabilitation measures.

The initiative is aimed at helping flood-hit farming families restore their livelihoods and reduce the impact of crop losses in Sivasagar district.