The Hindu : National : A region goes to the rats

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Friday, Nov 03, 2006
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A region goes to the rats

Aizawl: With rodents ravaging paddy fields in the hill areas, residents in eastern and northeastern Mizoram are facing a famine. And, the worst may be yet to come.

James Lalsiamliana, an assistant plant protection officer in the State Agriculture Department, said: "Dulte and surrounding villages in Champhai district were hit hard by a sudden spurt in the rat population.

"Bhupui or late harvest paddy is being attacked by rats in many places in Champhai district along the Mizoram-Myanmar border including northeastern parts of the State bordering Manipur."

Thentlang villagers in Serchhip district reported that many jhum fields were pillaged by the rodents.

The explosion in rat population follows the phenomenon of bamboo flowering. The rats feed on the flowers.

The best time to harvest Buhpui or late harvest paddy is end-November, but the situation has compelled farmers to harvest early to mitigate the destruction of their paddy by armies of vermin. This has resulted in losses.Mr. Lalsiamliana said wild boars too had caused massive destruction to paddy and other crops in eastern Mizoram.

Rats had ravaged `Tai' or early harvest paddy in the same areas in September and early October. — PTI

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