Staff Reporter, Kokrajhar: Amid acute drought-like conditions across the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) has rolled out a Comprehensive Drought Relief Programme under the initiative “Vibrant BTR, Vibrant Agriculture – From Mission to Action.” The programme aims to provide immediate support to distressed farmers while strengthening long-term climate resilience. BTC Chief Pramod Boro announced that 5% of the Agriculture Budget will now be allocated specifically for disaster preparedness and response, targeting threats like droughts, floods, pest outbreaks, and locust invasions. Districts Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Tamulpur are facing severe drought, while Udalguri is moderately affected. The prolonged dry spell has severely impacted Kharif crop cultivation, jeopardizing farmer livelihoods. In Demow, Sivasagar district, the local agriculture office reported 260 hectares of affected farmland, with only 85 hectares suitable for paddy transplantation due to insufficient soil moisture. The Assam government has declared the situation a state-specific disaster and is providing compensation through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that an official drought declaration may follow after August 15, pending IMD reports and field assessments. Meanwhile, PMFBY crop insurance and contingency plans are underway to support farmers. The BTC’s new initiative reflects a proactive, region-focused approach to address growing climate challenges.
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