Mandya: Sugarcane farmers in Mandya district, particularly those reliant on canal irrigation, are facing losses as drought conditions tighten their grip on the region, reported The Hans India.
Despite the passage of February and the onset of March, the absence of rainfall, coupled with the dearth of water in the canals, has deepened the crisis. Around 25,000 hectares of sugarcane, dependent on canal water, teeter on the brink of devastation, potentially resulting in losses amounting to around Rs 200 crores across the district. The KRS Reservoir, currently holding 89 feet of water with 7.5 TMC available, falls short of meeting the irrigation demands of the region. The diversion of water from the Visvesvaraya canal further compounds the challenges faced by farmers, leaving their crops susceptible to the harsh summer conditions.
Raghuram, Superintendent Engineer at Cauvery Irrigation Corporation, stressed the critical need for rainfall to address both agricultural and urban water requirements. He emphasized the prioritization of the drinking water supply and expressed optimism for canal replenishment once precipitation occurs. In response to the crisis, agricultural authorities have unveiled supportive measures for affected farmers.
Ashok, Joint Director of Agriculture, urged farmers to leverage these initiatives to protect their livelihoods. As the agricultural community grapples with the challenges imposed by drought, collaborative efforts and support from government agencies and farmers themselves become pivotal to navigating through this crisis and ensuring the resilience of the farming sector in the Mandya district.
