Severe Drought Threatens Agriculture in Jorhat-Golaghat Region
Drought Conditions Impacting Farmers
Farmland in Premhara village of Sarupathar showing cracks due to insufficient irrigation and a retreating monsoon (Photo: AT)
Jorhat, June 22: The Jorhat-Golaghat area is currently facing severe drought-like conditions, with extended periods of dry weather leaving paddy fields parched and farmland cracked, causing distress among farmers regarding this year's cultivation.
As June nears its end, locals report almost no rainfall in the region. Fields that should be saturated for paddy transplantation have dried up, revealing significant fissures across the agricultural landscape.
In Premhara village of Sarupathar, the situation is particularly dire, with farmers who planted paddy seedlings in May and June losing hope for a fruitful harvest.
Large cracks are appearing in agricultural fields in Sarupathar, raising concerns among farmers (Photo: AT)
Sarupathar is a crucial agricultural region in Assam, with over 90% of its population relying on farming for their livelihoods.
Typically, farmers prepare for the planting season during Jeth (May-June), anticipating the arrival of monsoon rains. However, this year, the expected precipitation has not materialized.
As worries mount, villagers have resorted to traditional rituals to invoke rain, including frog marriages and Jal Kirtan prayers, reflecting their desperation and limited options.
One farmer from Premhara village expressed, "This situation is alarming for us. In our community, apart from a few individuals with jobs, nearly everyone relies on agriculture for survival."
He added, "The soil here is primarily suited for paddy. Very few families have irrigation systems. Our only recourse is to pray for rain through Jal Kirtan and frog marriages. If conditions persist, we may have to leave our village or face starvation."
The farmer further noted that even if rain arrives soon, late planting would negatively impact crop quality and yield.
The dry spell is also affecting several villages near the Jorhat district border, such as Borhola, Bokajan, and Nagabat, where farmers report a halt in agricultural activities due to water shortages.
Another farmer called for immediate government intervention.
"Our land usually produces a good harvest with proper irrigation. The government must instruct agriculture and irrigation officials to evaluate the situation. The soil has cracked due to severe water scarcity, and even nearby ponds are not providing enough water," he stated.
He warned, "If rain does not come soon, this area could be labeled as drought-prone, forcing farmers to abandon agriculture entirely."
A third farmer lamented the lack of government assistance to the affected villages.
"We have yet to receive any help from the Agriculture Department. If there is no rain in June, our hopes for a harvest this season are dim," he remarked.
With farmland drying up and no immediate relief in sight, farmers across the region are urgently calling for intervention, including irrigation support and drought mitigation strategies, to salvage the cultivation season and safeguard rural livelihoods.