Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, has raised an urgent concern regarding the worsening agricultural crisis across Assam. In a formal letter sent on Friday to Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Saikia appealed for the immediate declaration of drought in multiple districts severely affected by rainfall deficit.
Saikia stressed that prolonged dry spells during the critical sowing period have devastated large swathes of farmland. This has led to crop failure and acute distress among farming communities, particularly in central and western Assam.
Several Districts Reeling Under Rain Deficit
According to reports, districts such as Nalbari, Barpeta, Darrang, Nagaon, and Morigaon are facing acute water shortage. Paddy fields have dried up, and thousands of hectares lie unsown. In some areas, farmers have already begun migrating in search of alternative livelihoods.
Debabrata Saikia stated that these drought-like conditions require immediate government intervention. He urged the state government to carry out ground-level surveys and recommend drought declaration under the guidelines of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Farmers Facing an Agricultural Emergency
In his letter, Saikia wrote that the delay in monsoon and negligible rainfall have rendered farmers helpless. Many are unable to repay loans or support their families.
“Farmers are our backbone, and their cries for help must not go unheard,” he added.
Saikia also requested the release of compensation packages, including minimum support prices (MSP), waivers of agricultural loans, and free distribution of seeds and fertilizers.
Relief Measures Demanded by Opposition
The Congress leader listed several urgent relief measures in his appeal. These include:
- Immediate declaration of drought in affected districts
- Compensation for crop loss
- Access to irrigation schemes and diesel subsidies
- Provision of drinking water in rural areas
- Deployment of mobile veterinary units for livestock care
He also demanded that the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) be utilised to deliver food grains and emergency aid to affected regions.
Saikia Questions Government Preparedness
Saikia questioned the preparedness of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government. He accused the administration of being slow in recognising the unfolding crisis.
He said that despite warnings from local officials and meteorological data pointing to severe shortfall in rainfall, no concrete steps had been taken so far.
The Assam Congress has planned to raise the matter during the upcoming assembly session and demand a special discussion on drought relief and long-term climate resilience planning.
Historical Patterns and Current Deficit
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Assam has received nearly 40% less rainfall than average since June 1. If the situation persists, it may affect both Kharif and Rabi crops, deepening the food security issue in rural belts.
Experts from the Assam Agriculture University also warned that a delayed policy response could push the rural economy into further distress.
Civil Society Backs Demand for Declaration
Local NGOs, farmer groups, and civil society organisations have echoed Saikia’s concerns. Many have begun independent surveys to document losses and mobilise basic aid.
“People are losing their livelihoods. Immediate action is needed before it turns into a humanitarian disaster,” said Arup Das, a social worker from Barpeta.
Political Pressure Mounts on State Government
The ruling BJP has not yet issued any official statement regarding the appeal. However, state officials said a technical team is being dispatched to review ground reports and rainfall data.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have intensified pressure on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s government. They have accused it of ignoring the plight of the rural poor while focusing only on urban infrastructure and investment summits.
Call to Action
Debabrata Saikia urged all political parties, social organisations, and citizen groups to unite in demanding justice for the farmers. He appealed to the Governor to intervene if the state government fails to act swiftly.
Unless timely steps are taken, he warned, the situation could escalate into a large-scale agrarian crisis.