Translated from Kokborok by Kamal Jamatia
In Tripura state, this year's temperature has increased compared to previous years, resulting in various problems. Farmers in every part of Tripura are facing difficulties, and the state government has decided to close schools due to concerns for students. During this year, the summer temperature has increased drastically and has gone above 41 degrees Celsius. By discussing with them or with the villagers how the problems of the farmers in the village have arisen due to the effect of this heat, we will know.
Bitish Jamatia is a farmer in Nograi village of the Amarpur subdivision in the Gomti district of Tripura state. We will know what problems are caused by the rise in temperatures in the Gomti district of Tripura state. We will know what problems are caused by its rise in temperature. I can learn more through discussions with him. For example, April this year saw temperatures rise above 41 degrees Celsius, resulting in the drying up of field water. As the water dries up, the pepper plants and rubber plants in his field slowly rot. As a result of these problems, he is unable to support his family on these farms.
The Bitish Jamatia had land above his five kani but could not cultivate it due to water problems. Due to various water problems and extreme temperature rises in the village area, the villagers are also unable to cultivate. Although the villagers have land, much of it is lying fallow, and non-rainfall has caused problems for various villagers. The money invested in cultivation is not recovered. The British did not stop farming to recover some of the investment.
In the state of Tripura, the farmers prefer the hilly areas to the flat land. Cultivation on flat land means various problems: too much rain causes vegetables to get submerged, and too much heat causes vegetable plants to dry up. So farmers prefer hilly land to plain land because more vegetables are not wasted on hilly land than on bare land.
One of the main demands of the villagers is that the government should promptly address the water problems they face. If a water pump is installed, the water problem of all the villagers will be resolved. This will lead to improved agricultural cultivation, enhanced living standards for the farmers, and increased income.
This article is created as a part of the Adivasi Awaaz project, with the support of Misereor and Prayog Samaj Sevi Sanstha.