TN delta farmers concerned on samba crop prospects bl-premium-article-image

Our Correspondent Updated - December 03, 2012 at 08:46 PM.

With water released from the Mettur dam only to meet the drinking water needs, the survival of the samba crop in Delta districts in about 10 lakh areas, appears bleak.

The farmers associationshave announced a series of agitations to highlight their plight.

All farmers associations, both political and apolitical, have called for demonstrations before the Central government offices at the taluk headquarters in the Cauvery Delta districts on December 7.

The farmers, though disappointed with the outcome of the talks between the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Chief Ministers, are yet hopeful that the Supreme Court would come to their aid after assessing the water availability in both States.

A release of at least 10 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water by Karnataka, would be helpful to save the crops, sources said..

According to S. Ranganathan, Secretary, Cauvery Delta Farmers Association, the water could be used for at least two wettings.

Otherwise, the entire samba crop could be lost and it will be the first time ever since the construction of Mettur dam in 1924 that such a calamity would occur.

He called upon all farmers associations, irrespective of their political affiliations, to unite for a common cause and work together.

Published on December 3, 2012 15:16