Villagers of Lamphou Pasna village in Chandel district of Manipur have drawn the attention of the state government to take up initiative to prevent damage of crops at Chingloushing by birds, rats and squirrels.
The site of the damaged crops was inspected by social worker BD Betha Anal along with the locals of the village on Friday.
While addressing the media during the visit, Betha stated that the majority of the people residing in Lamphou Pasna village engaged in jhum cultivation as their major source of income. The villagers plant crops even during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure food security in post COVID period. Damage to crops, which are mainly maize, by pest is unfortunate, he added.
He continued that the government should intervene in the present issue faced by the villagers by adopting various methods to prevent further damage to other crops.
“Agriculture is the lifeline of the villagers. Not only does it support their livelihood but also makes them capable of taking care of the cost of their children’s education, even for higher studies. The economically backward people in the village are already affected financially by COVID-19 pandemic and attacking their crops by pests is a serious issue,” said Betha.
While appealing to the state government to conduct surveys in the places where the crops are damaged, he stated that compensation should also be given to every farmer as a support and encouragement.
