Shillong, Oct 21: Minister-in-Charge of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Timothy D Shira has suggested the need to invite scientists to conduct a detailed study and find a way to prevent the disease affecting rice and arecanut plantation in the state.
“We should invite the scientist who will study the case in detail and find out the reason and the way to solve this problem,” Shira told reporters on Tuesday.
The minister said the arecanut disease is causing significant losses, with farmers potentially losing up to Rs 20 lakhs per 100 bags of beetle nuts.
Shira explained that from one arecanut plantation, farmers can expect to harvest 500 bags of beetle nuts. However, with the disease, the yield is severely impacted, resulting in substantial financial losses.
The minister noted that agriculture officers, being technical people, may not have the expertise to tackle the disease.
Shira also highlighted the need for similar interventions in rice plantations, where diseases are affecting paddy crops.
The minister emphasized the importance of training farmers in scientific methods of cultivation. He cited examples from Khasi Hills, where farmers who received training are now getting higher incomes due to increased production.
He stressed the need for similar training programs in Garo Hills, particularly in organic farming and the use of organic manure.
With 75% of Meghalaya’s population dependent on agriculture, Shira said that there is need to protect farmers’ livelihoods.
He also pointed the benefits of organic farming and the use of natural manure, such as cow dung, which can improve soil fertility and produce healthier vegetables.
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