Guwahati, July 22 -- A drought-like situation has emerged in 27 districts of Assam following a significant rainfall deficit during the current monsoon season.

The most affected districts include Kamrup Metro, Kamrup, Dhubri, Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, and Darrang, where the rainfall deficit ranges between 60% to 80%.

Farmers in these districts are unable to transplant paddy seedlings due to insufficient water in the fields. Many have expressed concern over the failure of irrigation systems and lack of timely support.

"We are in the middle of the paddy sowing season, and our farmers are helpless. The irrigation systems that should be supporting them are defunct, and the government seems indifferent to their plight," said Tanuj Haloi,...