Ranchi, July 17: Jugsalai MLA Jairam Mahato has written to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging the state government to formulate a comprehensive agricultural policy to address the challenges posed by a weak monsoon and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers.
In his letter, Mahato expressed concern over below-normal rainfall this year, warning that deficient monsoon conditions could adversely affect agriculture, water resources, and rural livelihoods across the state.
He pointed out that agriculture in Jharkhand remains heavily dependent on seasonal rainfall, while more than half of the state’s cultivable land lacks irrigation facilities.
According to him, inadequate irrigation leaves farmers vulnerable to crop losses during periods of low rainfall, which could ultimately impact agricultural production, employment, and the rural economy.
The MLA called on the government to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and adopt long-term measures to reduce dependence on erratic monsoon rains.
He said a robust agricultural policy is essential to ensure sustainable farming and protect farmers from climate-related uncertainties.
Mahato also recommended increasing the number of workdays under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and doubling wages under the scheme to provide relief to rural workers affected by poor agricultural conditions.
Additionally, he urged the government to expedite the resolution of the pending High Court case related to the proposal for 75 per cent reservation for local residents in private sector employment, stating that an early decision would help generate more job opportunities for local youth.
The letter highlights the need for immediate and long-term policy interventions to strengthen agriculture, improve irrigation coverage, enhance rural employment, and mitigate the impact of weak monsoon conditions on Jharkhand’s farming community.
