Drought-Hit Assam: Distressed Farmers Turn to Traditional 'Frog Marriage'

Even as some parts of Assam battle floods, others like Kampur and Sipajhar are facing the exact opposite, a severe drought that has left farmers helpless and their fields barren. 

In the South Kapilipariya area of Kampur, many farmers are struggling to cultivate their land due to the complete lack of rainfall and the failure of the Assam Irrigation Department to step in. Despite the country nearing eight decades of independence and rapid advancements in science and technology, these developments have not trickled down to the farmlands of South Kapilipariya, where agricultural practices still remain at the mercy of the weather. 

The fields, once golden during the rainy season, are now dry and cracked under the scorching sun. Several farmers who attempted sowing with leftover seeds have now seen their efforts go to waste, as the dry spell has turned their fields into parched land. “The situation is horrible,” said a local farmer. “We planted the seeds, but there has been no rain. The soil has cracked, and the crops have dried up. We can only watch helplessly.”

Locals have voiced their concerns, calling on the Assam government to act. “Most of the people in the area are facing this issue. We urge the Assam Government to help us and provide us with a solution,” said a resident of the region.

The farmers of Kampur have demanded immediate intervention and a reliable water supply system that can support them during dry spells. 

Frog Marriage in Naptapara: A Rain Ritual Amid Drought and Neglect

Like Kampur, Assam’s Naptapara village of Sipajhar in Darrang district faces a similar situation and has turned to age-old traditions to seek relief. In a unique and culturally significant event, local farmers organised a frog’s marriage (a ritual rooted in folklore) to pray for rainfall.

Due to the prolonged lack of rain, paddy fields in the area have cracked and with no irrigation system in place, the villagers depend entirely on the monsoon for their agriculture. But with the rain still absent, desperation has driven the farmers to seek divine intervention through this symbolic ceremony.

The frog’s wedding drew large crowds, including children, youth, and elderly residents. The event was filled with excitement, and refreshments were served to all attendees, adding a festive air to the otherwise difficult circumstances. While modern agricultural challenges require infrastructural solutions, the people of Naptapara are relying on traditional practices to find hope in hard times.

A glaring question arises: why, despite having a dedicated irrigation department, are the farmers still entirely dependent on unpredictable weather patterns? The lack of infrastructure and government support has left these communities in despair.

Also Read: Frog Wedding Held in Drought-Hit Majuli to Appease Rain Gods