The Hindu Business Line : TN farmers want sufficient build-up before release of water

FARMERS' representatives in the Cauvery delta have urged the State Government to ensure sufficient build-up of water in the Mettur reservoir before letting it open for irrigation. The wait would also give banks time to release crop loans.

Though the Opposition political parties have called for an agitation demanding immediate release of water for irrigation, the farmers are in no position to commence cultivation. They point out that after over two years of drought, they do not have funds to begin cultivation. The banks are yet to give shape to the Central and State governments recommendations for supportive schemes.

Pending release of funds the State Government could also wait for a fortnight before opening the Mettur reservoir. With the summer crop, Kuruvai, beyond the scope of the farmers, a single crop was the ideal solution, they said.

The demand for immediate release is from areas such as Pattukottai and Thiruthuraipoondi where the ground water has fallen to lower than 150 feet. In other areas including Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi, over one lakh acres of paddy are coming up for harvest.

As of now about 10.5 lakh acres of land are lying fallow. These lands, which have been lying dry for two years, will soak up half of the present water holding in Mettur. The balance would not be enough for continuing with further ploughing, seeding and transplanting.

Though as for now there are heavy inflows into Mettur — about 35,000 cusecs — - it must be remembered that over the last two years there have been isolated incidents of such heavy inflows, which have petered out in a day or two. Ideally, the Government should wait and ensure safe limits before letting out water for irrigation, the farmers say.