Headlines       Vol. 2 Issue 1-2

May 7- May 21 , 1999

Sikkim faces drought-like situation The unprecedented dry spell for the past six months in Sikkim has a telling effect on all its major cash crops, including large cardamom, ginger and vegetables. Earnings from these crops and vegetables form the backbone of this Himalayan State's economy. The SOS message to the capital from the district authorities in tribal-dominated West and North Sikkim, where the major portion of the State's cash crop of cardamom have wilted under the severe drought conditions, have fallen on deaf ears so far, sources said. According to an official release, prolonged drought in West Sikkim has severely affected the cultivation of all major cash crops like maize, ginger, cardamom and seasonal vegetables, which otherwise are imported from outside the land-locked Himalyan State. The officials said that maize cultivation, which constitutes most other cultivated areas in the other two hill districts of the state, also face a dismal prospect due to lack of rains. The spring showers that Sikkim usually experiences were missing this year.The officials added that the State's major cash crops and backbone of its agro-economy in tribal North and West districts have completely wilted due to the prolonged drought situation. They are apprehensive that in order to revive the economy, replantation of devastated crops is the only alternative left for the poor and helpless farmers. Meanwhile, collectors of the districts have sent SOS to the Government to bail out the affected farmers before it is too late. Incidentally, the opposition Congress in the State has also demanded that Sikkim be declared a 'drought hit' State and farmers be compensated in accordance with the famine drought policy, to avert a famine-like situation in the already dependent State.

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