At a time when major portions of the northeast are reeling under severe flood, the Manipur government has decided to approach the Centre to declare the state drought-hit.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a meeting held on Saturday decided on this.

The CM's decision was informed to the media by Manipur Education Minister Th Radheshyam.

It may be mentioned here that monsoon hasn't arrived in Manipur and the state has received around 267.5 mm of rainfall from Jun 1 to July 19.

The normal rainfall during this period must be around 661.6 mm.

ALSO READ: Dry Spell Hits Manipur’s Ukhrul District

The dry spell has hit the farming and agriculture sector hard and this has led to a decrease in the production of food grains and crops.

The scanty rainfall has forced many farmers to quit farming and they have been on the lookout for some other professional engagements.

While a majority of farmers have abandoned their farmlands in search of better avenues, a very few, on the other hand, have tried sowing previously un-sowed crops and they are uncertain if the final result would be beneficial for them or not.

ALSO READ: Assam floods: Animal casualties rise in Kaziranga

Extending a helping hand towards the farmers, the agriculture department distributed 126 numbers of water-pump sets as immediate relief.

"New Development Bank has sanctioned Rs 3,282.02 crore for taking up water supply projects. These projects have three components – Rs 1,157.33 crore for Integrated Imphal Water Supply, Phase III, Rs 434.38 crore for 25 towns and Rs 1,690.31 crore for 1,745 villages. This project is a part of the Centre’s mission to provide safe drinking water to every household," informed minister Radheshyam.