Farmers in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, are experiencing significant losses as inadequate three-phase power supply disrupts irrigation for summer paddy crops. The district, known for cultivating Kuruvai, Samba, and Thaladi paddy seasons, faces uncertainty this year due to low water levels at the Mettur Dam. With the delay in water release, many farmers turned to Vasantha paddy cultivation using groundwater.
Investing around Rs 30,000 per acre, farmers had hoped for a successful harvest but faced challenges when irrigation problems arose. Due to irregular and insufficient three-phase electricity supply, farmers are struggling to operate their agricultural motors, leading to increased costs. Some have resorted to diesel-powered pump sets, further burdening small and marginal farmers financially.
More than 20 villages, including Viluthiyur, Irumbuthalai, Manakkudi, and Muniyur, are severely affected by the power supply shortage, causing fields to dry up and crops to wilt. Farmers fear substantial crop losses if the power supply issue is not resolved promptly. They urge the government and electricity authorities to ensure uninterrupted power supply to save the standing paddy crop and prevent financial distress.
