Shillong, Mar 4: The state government has sanctioned Rs 6.8 crore to assist over 3,005 farmers in distress for planting of alternative crops, minister in-charge Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Ampareen Lyngdoh, informed the state assembly on Tuesday.
Besides, the government has proposed Rs 5 crore under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) for 2024-25 to assist the distressed farmers to reduce impact on their livelihood.
The minister was replying to question raised by All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Rupa M Marak on bud rot disease of areca nut trees under Dadenggre and Rongram blocks in Garo Hills.
Stating that 209 farmers were affected by the bud rot disease under Dadenggre C&RD block and 467 under Rongram C&RD block, Lyngdoh said the farmers are being sensitized on the disease and its control measures, including burning of affected plants, crop diversification and good sanitation in plantation areas.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Horticulture has collaborated with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) and Scientist of Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kahikuchi, Assam and Kasargod, Kerala on the bud rot disease control measures.
An advisory leaflet with preventive and remedial measures has been prepared based on findings and recommendations of experts on the disease.
It will be distributed among areca nut farmers, she said.
Further, the minister said the government is on the job to handhold all farmers, who are affected by the bud rot disease and research is going on to address the problem.
She also assured that the government will take necessary steps to intensify drone mechanisms of addressing the disease and continue to encourage farmers to adopt multiple cropping.
