Guwahati: Floods have jeopardised farmers’ livelihoods in upper Assam, with silt and mud deposits leaving large tracts unsuitable for paddy cultivation.Minister Pijush Hazarika on Saturday announced alternative cultivation support for affected farmers, including fruit saplings and assistance for rabi crops.The agriculture and irrigation departments discussed relief measures for nearly one lakh farmers in Sivasagar, Charaideo, Jorhat and Golaghat. In Sivasagar, floods have affected nearly one lakh families across three constituencies and damaged the fields of around 60,000 families.“The govt is preparing to assist farmers through two methods — providing paddy seedlings where floodwaters have receded in time, and supporting direct seeding in areas where conditions permit. However, many farmers may not be able to grow paddy this season as their fields could remain submerged for another seven to 10 days, leaving little time for cultivation,” Hazarika said.Farmers unable to cultivate paddy will receive alternative crops and planting materials, including sesame and other rabi crops. Coconut, jackfruit, agar and improved ber saplings will also be distributed according to local cultivation conditions.Hazarika said sesame requires less time and effort, while black gram and pulses could help farmers recover. He said two months remained for planting agar, coconut and apple ber, but time was running out for winter paddy cultivation.“The govt is also assessing damage to houses, farmlands and belongings to identify eligible families for compensation under existing relief provisions. The CM has vowed additional financial assistance to flood-affected families,” he added.
