Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday that the drought-like conditions reported in five western districts of the state are showing signs of improvement. He added that the government will take a final call on officially declaring a drought only after August 15.Also, once rainfall patterns stabilize.
Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Sarma said the state government is closely monitoring rainfall data and soil moisture levels across affected areas. “The situation is gradually improving as intermittent showers have brought some relief to the western belt. We will wait until mid-August to take a final decision on drought declaration,” he said.
Five Districts Face Drought-Like Conditions
According to state officials, the drought-like conditions have primarily affected Kokrajhar, Dhubri. Bongaigaon, Barpeta, and Goalpara districts. These areas experienced a prolonged dry spell during the peak monsoon months. And, leading to stress on paddy cultivation and other crops.
Agricultural fields in these districts had developed cracks earlier in July, raising concerns about crop losses and farmer distress. However, recent rainfall over the past week has begun to replenish soil moisture and water bodies, offering some relief to cultivators.
A senior official from the Assam Agriculture Department said, “Paddy transplantation was delayed in several blocks due to the lack of rainfall. The showers in the last few days are helping, but we need consistent rainfall to revive the kharif crop fully.”
Relief Measures Underway
Even as the state waits to decide on an official drought declaration, the government has initiated preliminary relief measures. Drinking water supply has been ensured in affected villages. And authorities are mapping vulnerable areas for possible relief distribution.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) is working alongside local administration to provide assistance to farmers. “We are preparing contingency plans for distribution of seeds, crop insurance support, and water conservation measures if the drought persists,” an ASDMA official said.
Chief Minister Sarma also stated that the state government is in touch with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to track rainfall forecasts. “If we see a clear deficit after mid-August, a formal drought declaration will follow, along with financial assistance to the affected districts,” he said.
Farmers Urge Swift Action
Farmer groups in western Assam have welcomed the recent showers but remain anxious about the overall crop season. Many farmers have already faced delays in transplanting paddy seedlings, while others fear reduced yield if rainfall remains erratic.
“We have managed to start transplanting after the rains, but the crop cycle has already been affected,” said Ranjit Das, a farmer from Barpeta. “Government support will be crucial if the drought is officially declared.”
Agricultural experts emphasize that any delay in rainfall can impact both kharif paddy and short-duration pulses. They suggest that farmers adopt drought-resilient practices. Such as alternate wetting and drying, to minimize water stress.
Government Balances Assessment and Aid
The state government has said it is balancing immediate relief with long-term assessment. Officials have been tasked with conducting field surveys to evaluate the exact crop damage and the need for compensation.
Sarma reassured farmers that the state will provide all necessary support if the situation worsens. “We are committed to protecting our farmers and ensuring no one suffers due to natural calamities,” he said.
He also highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen irrigation networks and promote rainwater harvesting in vulnerable regions. These measures, he said, would help mitigate the impact of similar weather conditions in the future.
Call for Public Awareness
Officials have urged the public to use water judiciously during this period and avoid wastage. Especially in semi-arid pockets of western Assam. Local panchayats and village committees have been asked to spread awareness about water conservation and crop management practices.
Experts note that Assam’s monsoon pattern has become increasingly erratic in recent years, With periods of intense rainfall followed by dry spells. Strengthening irrigation and storage infrastructure remains a top priority to make the state’s agriculture more resilient.
As the state waits for the mid-August review, both farmers and officials are hopeful that consistent rains will avert a severe crisis. If the situation stabilizes, Assam may avoid a formal drought declaration this year.