Farmers Unable to Sow Seeds Due to Deficient Rainfall: Hemant Soren

Hemant Soren, the chief minister of Jharkhand, expressed concern on Thursday about how the state's farming techniques are being impacted by the dry spell. The CM went to Dumka to inaugurate and lay the groundwork for 112 projects totalling Rs. 401 crores.

In his remarks, Soren stated, “The state, which is still reeling under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now staring at a drought-like situation. Farmers are not able to plant seeds due to scanty rainfall. I am worried. The prediction of meteorological department is also not encouraging.”

The lack of rain in Jharkhand has increased to 51%. 199.3 mm of rain fell there between June 1 and July 21 as opposed to the average 403.4 mm.

According to information provided by the state agriculture department, the state has only succeeded in planting 11.76% of its paddy thus far. During the day, the CM added that his government has been promoting public welfare.

“Under the Sarkar Apke Dwar program, camps were organized in every panchayat, and benefit of welfare schemes extended to the poor people,” he stated.

Soren noted that since the creation of Jharkhand 20 years ago, just 6.5 lakh people had benefited from the government's pension scheme. However, he noted that over the previous 2.5 years, 18 lakhs more people have joined the scheme.

To examine the paddy-sowing situation in the state, state agriculture minister Badal Patralekh convened a virtual conference of deputy commissioners.

The minister instructed all DCs to begin implementing the Jharkhand State Crop Relief Plan, which provides farmers with insurance for crops harmed by natural disasters. He also instructed them to motivate farmers to start planning the cultivation of alternative crops.