Farmers in the Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu are worried as the usual June 12 water release from the Mettur Dam is uncertain due to low storage levels. The Mettur reservoir, crucial for irrigation, is typically opened on June 12 but is currently at a low level of 79.69 feet with 41.648 TMC storage.
This uncertainty has caused anxiety among farmers who rely on river irrigation for their kuruvai paddy crops. While some farmers anticipated the water shortage and refrained from cultivation, others proceeded with sowing using borewell irrigation. Agriculture officials estimate that around 3.5 lakh acres could still be cultivated this year.
However, farmer organizations believe the actual cultivation area may be lower due to power disruptions affecting borewell operations. They stress the importance of uninterrupted electricity for irrigation pumps during crop growth stages. Farmer leaders warn of a substantial reduction in cultivated area compared to previous years, potentially impacting paddy production and rural livelihoods.
Farmers are urging the state government to convene a meeting with officials, agricultural experts, and farmer representatives to assess the situation and plan contingency measures. They also seek Central assistance by declaring the region drought-affected to prevent significant crop losses and support rural communities.
