With 27 districts in Assam facing a severe drought-like crisis due to a 43% monsoon rainfall deficit, the state government has issued urgent directives to mitigate its impact. A notification dated July 28 instructs all District Commissioners (DCs) to assess and restore irrigation schemes and activate pump sets, minor irrigation channels, and other water sources for supplemental irrigation.
The Agriculture Department has been asked to ensure the availability of short-duration paddy varieties like Bina-10 and Bina-11 for immediate farmer distribution. District Agriculture Officers have been told to prioritize seed distribution in the most affected areas. DCs must also convene meetings with departments such as Agriculture, Irrigation, Animal Husbandry, and ASDMA, and submit an Action Taken Report by July 31.
The worst-hit districts include South Salmara (84% rainfall deficit), Darrang (79%), Barpeta (73%), and Bajali (72%). Farmers are struggling, especially with Sali paddy transplanting. Assam Agricultural University (AAU) is recommending drought-tolerant and short-duration paddy varieties like Luit and Disang, and, if needed, alternative crops like millets, green gram, and black gram to sustain agricultural output.
