Should Tamil Nadu Extend Mettur Water Release for Farmers?
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Synopsis
Farmers in the Cauvery delta are urging the Tamil Nadu government to extend the Mettur dam's water release until the end of February due to delays in Samba crop cultivation. Adverse weather and previous crop damage have significantly impacted their agricultural cycle, necessitating urgent action to prevent losses.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers request water extension from Mettur dam.
- Delays in Samba cultivation due to weather issues.
- 1.75 TMC of daily water needed for crops.
- Cyclone Michaung caused significant crop damage.
- Farmers stress importance of timely water supply.
Tiruchy (Tamil Nadu), Dec 29 (NationPress) Farmers across the Cauvery delta regions are calling on the Tamil Nadu government to prolong the release of water from the Mettur dam until the end of February. They attribute this request to significant delays in Samba paddy cultivation due to adverse weather and prior crop damages this season.
Typically, water from the Mettur reservoir is released on June 12 annually for Kuruvai and Samba cultivation, ceasing by the end of January.
Nevertheless, farmers argue that this agricultural cycle has been drastically affected, rendering the usual timeline impractical.
Farmers' representatives have stated that approximately 1.75 TMC of water is needed daily to maintain the existing Samba crop.
This year's Samba cultivation target is around 14 lakh acres, with Tiruvarur district accounting for nearly 3.60 lakh acres, followed by Thanjavur with 3.26 lakh acres, Nagapattinam with 2.55 lakh acres, and Tiruchy with approximately 1.50 lakh acres.
Additionally, nearly 3 lakh acres have been allocated for Thaladi cultivation throughout the delta.
However, the northeast monsoon and the effects of Cyclone Michaung have inflicted considerable crop damage, delaying land preparation and transplantation. Consequently, the sowing schedule has been significantly postponed, which has affected the water demand cycle.
"Due to the extended rainfall and delays in assessing crop damage, farmers could not commence cultivation on time. Naturally, the water demand has also shifted," stated P. Ramasamy, a farmer from Tiruvarur district.
He added that while water is generally released from Mettur on June 12 and halted by January 28, the circumstances this year are distinct.
"The Samba crop is still in its crucial stages. Harvesting, typically beginning in January, may extend until March. If the water supply is cut now, the tail-end regions will suffer the most," he expressed.
Farmers have thus appealed to the state government and the Water Resources Department to prolong the water release at least until the end of February, emphasizing that this action is vital to protect standing crops and avert large-scale losses across the delta.
Point of View
The situation in Tamil Nadu underscores the delicate balance between agricultural needs and environmental challenges. Farmers' requests for water extension highlight the pressing issues of climate impact and food security, which are vital for ensuring sustainable farming practices. It is essential for the government to respond to these challenges with empathy and strategic planning.
NationPress
03/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do farmers want an extension of water release?
Farmers are seeking an extension due to significant delays in Samba paddy cultivation caused by adverse weather conditions and earlier crop damage.
What is the usual schedule for water release from Mettur?
Typically, water from the Mettur dam is released on June 12 and is stopped by the end of January each year.
How much water do farmers need daily for Samba crops?
Farmers require approximately 1.75 TMC of water each day to sustain the standing Samba crops.
What impact did Cyclone Michaung have on crops?
Cyclone Michaung caused extensive crop damage, which delayed land preparation and transplantation, affecting the sowing schedule.
What is the significance of the farmers' appeal?
The appeal emphasizes the need to protect standing crops and prevent large-scale agricultural losses in the delta region.
