Imphal, July 8 -- Manipur's agriculture sector is under mounting pressure as prolonged dry conditions in Imphal East and unresolved compensation claims in Bishnupur have left farmers struggling ahead of the crucial paddy cultivation season.

In Imphal East, inadequate rainfall has delayed paddy transplantation across several villages under the Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency, raising fears of reduced agricultural output and possible food shortages.

Former Imphal East Up-Adhyaksha Ksh Tama visited major cultivation areas, including Yaral Loukol, Gurupat, Gangapat and Kongpal Chanam Leikai on July 6 to assess the prevailing conditions.

Despite the government's distribution of paddy seeds and fertilisers, farmers have been unable to begin...