Farmers in some of the tail-end areas of Kattalai High Level Canal (KHLC) in the district have complained of inadequate water supply for irrigation and have appealed to the Public Works Department to step up discharge in the canal downstream the Nachalur regulator.
Many farmers have not been able to take up samba transplantation at Posampatti, Puliyur, Ettarai, Koyyathoppu, Pallakadu, Sunnambukaranpatti, Thayanur and Allithurai as the tail-end areas of the KHLC are yet to get water, said A. Nagarajan, president, Tamil Nadu Horticulture Crop Producers Association.
In some places, paddy nurseries are withering, Mr. Nagarajan said at the farmers’ grievances day meeting on Friday.
Attributing the problem to the discharge of a higher quantum of water in the New Kattalai High Level Canal at Nachalur, R.Subramanian, deputy secretary, Cauvery Delta Farmers Welfare Association, requested the Public Works Department to release adequate water in the KHLC.
Sources in the PWD said water has been released to the full capacity of all canals in the district and steps have been taken to ensure adequate supply to the tail-end areas too.
However, since many farmers who had lost their banana crops due to drought , have switched over to paddy this year triggering additional demand.
The KHLC, which starts from the Cauvery at Mayanur, runs for a distance of about 68 km with a registered ayacut of 20,500 acres.
However, in some places, paddy cultivation area has been extended. Nevertheless, all efforts are being made to ensure adequate water supply to farmers dependent in all canals despite the lack of rain and weather condition, the sources added.
