Assam’s Rice Crops Hit by Water Shortage, AASU Demands Irrigation

During the critical period of Sali Kheti (Paddy cultivation), Assam's paddy fields are running dry, thanks to a large deficiency in rainfall this monsoon. if the paddy seedlings are not transplanted during this season, then harvesting will remain a distant dream for thousands of farmers of Assam, who still rely heavily on rainfall. In the absence of adequate rainfall, irrigation can provide some respite to the farmers, but alas, they are not getting even that. 

On this issue,  the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has launched statewide protests across several districts, including Chirang, Dibrugarh, Majuli, Nalbari, North Guwahati, Sonari, and Tinsukia, alleging massive failure of the Irrigation Department to provide water to farmers. The protests come in the wake of a worsening drought-like situation across Assam, which has left vast stretches of farmland parched and farmers in deep distress. AASU has accused the state government and the Irrigation Department of gross negligence and demanded immediate intervention to supply water and declare drought-hit areas accordingly.

Deficient Rainfall, Inadequate Irrigation Combined to Farmers' Woes

Northeast India continues to grapple with a largely dry monsoon, as four out of the region’s eight states fall under the ‘Deficient’ rainfall category during the peak period from June 1 to July 18. In stark contrast, the country as a whole has received 9% more rainfall than normal.

Even Meghalaya, home to the wettest place on Earth, remains unusually dry, recording 55% less rainfall than normal. According to IMD data, the state received just 566.3 mm of rain between June 1 and July 18, compared to the normal 1259.3 mm. On July 18 alone, rainfall was 84% below average.

Assam, too, is facing a significant rain deficit of 42% between June 1 and July 18, having received only 401.7 mm of rainfall against the normal 689.6 mm. On July 18 alone, the state recorded 83% below-average rainfall.

Agriculture in Assam continues to rely heavily on rainfall due to the lack of a strong irrigation system. If this critical cultivation window passes without adequate rain, even heavy showers later may offer little relief to farmers, worsening the crisis.

Similarly, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are facing significant rainfall deficits this monsoon. Arunachal recorded only 425.7 mm of rain, 45% below the normal 778.3 mm, while Sikkim received just 457.8 mm, marking a 36% shortfall from its usual 714.1 mm.

Cultivators' Frustration

Local cultivators from Tamarhat and other drought-affected villages expressed deep frustration over the non-functional irrigation systems. Despite the presence of multiple irrigation setups, none are currently operational. They alleged that officials responsible for managing the water supply continue to draw salaries while taking no meaningful action to address the crisis, leaving farmers to bear the brunt of their negligence.

Places like Dhubri and several other rural parts of Assam, known for being heavily agriculture-dependent, are now reeling under a severe drought. With no functional irrigation support in place, farmers are bearing the brunt of the crisis and watching their fields dry up helplessly." 

In villages across Majuli and Sipajhar, locals have performed frog marriages (Bhekuli Biya), an age-old tradition practised to invoke rain, as farmers continue to suffer due to the ongoing drought.

AASU Demands Immediate Action, Slams BJP Government

In Bijni, the Chirang Regional Committee of AASU held a fierce demonstration on Saturday in front of the office of the Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department. Protesters raised slogans such as “Down with the Irrigation Department,” “Down with Irrigation Minister Ashok Singhal,” and “BJP Government Down Down,” demanding justice for drought-hit farmers.

Speaking to reporters, an AASU representative said, “This is the ideal farming season, but due to the prevailing drought conditions, farmers are unable to cultivate their fields. The Irrigation Department should have ensured a water supply. Their failure is endangering livelihoods.”

He further criticised the BJP-led state government, “The BJP talks about development, but turns a blind eye to farmers’ suffering. Despite having an Irrigation Department, no help has been extended. We urge the government to act now and provide immediate support.”

The Chirang unit also submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, listing a four-point charter of demands. AASU’s Central Organising Secretary, Sudip Chanda, joined the protest and slammed the government for "betraying the farming community."

In Majuli, members of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) staged a protest against the Irrigation Department, highlighting the severe distress faced by farmers as drought-like conditions continue to grip large parts of Assam.

Speaking to reporters, an AASU member said, “We have gheraoed the local Irrigation Department office to register our strong protest. Through this agitation, we want to send a clear message to the state government that the Irrigation Department is utterly useless. Despite the worsening drought and the helplessness of our farmers, the department has failed to ensure any water supply for irrigation. This inaction is endangering the very livelihood of the farming community.”

He further added, “In this age of scientific advancement, it is unacceptable that a key department like Irrigation has done nothing to support the farmers. Their inaction is a betrayal. The contractors, drenched in corruption, are sleeping in their offices while farmers suffer in the fields. Everything cannot run according to the whims of these contractors. Poor farmers are unable to cultivate their crops due to the severe water crisis, and we urge the government to immediately intervene. Farmers must receive water and all necessary assistance that the Irrigation Department should have provided long ago.”

In Nalbari, the AASU-led protest escalated dramatically as protesters broke through a police barricade and stormed the office of the Superintending Engineer of the Irrigation Division. The protest was prompted by the government's failure to declare Nalbari a drought-affected district, despite the severe agricultural distress.

Anger intensified after a senior official, Kishore Chakravarty, allegedly misbehaved with the protestors. Faced with mounting pressure, Chakravarty was forced to apologise publicly.

“Farmers are reeling under drought, and yet the government has done nothing,” said a protester. “This is not just administrative failure; this is an insult to the farmers of Assam.”

Also Read: Drought and Failed Irrigation Hit Farmers Hard in Chirang & Tamarhat