Substantial Loss of Crops in Malda, Horticulture Department to Take Stock of Situation

Nursery Today Desk

New Delhi. Malda district in West Bengal is known for its notable produces such as silk, jute and specially mango. The Kalindri basin in Manikchak is the source of vegetables for the whole of the Malda district. Rise in water levels in the Kalindi River and other rivers has flooded acres of vegetable-growing lands due to which there has been substantial loss of crops for the farmers in Manikchak block.

The main vegetable crop that was impacted was the growing of cabbage, radish, and bitter gourd. Constant, heavy rainfall in the past few days made the situation worse. The farmers are looking for compensation from the government. In order to assess the issue, the horticulture department has decided take a stock of the situation and send reports to the higher authorities.

The fertile soil that results in the enormous output of vegetables is primarily due to the silt of the rivers. Some of the farmers cultivate vegetables that are harvested early. This year, the farmers anticipated harvesting before Durga Puja, which would lead to high profit margins. The vegetables also include cauliflower and cabbage which are mainly brought to market from other districts during the off-season. However, the lands are now submerged in water and the chances of recovery are very less as vegetables rot easily in water-logged fields.