PMK demands uninterrupted 3-phase power supply to delta farmers

PMK Demands Uninterrupted 3-Phase Power Supply for Delta Farmers

The Urgency of the Cauvery Delta Water Crisis

PMK demands uninterrupted 3 phase power – The Cauvery delta region, a vital agricultural hub in Tamil Nadu, is grappling with a severe water shortage that has thrown the farming calendar into disarray. With the kuruvai season—a critical period for paddy cultivation—approaching, thousands of acres of farmland are on the brink of devastation. The situation has escalated to the point where local leaders are calling for immediate intervention to prevent widespread crop loss. Tamil Nadu’s PMK party leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has emerged as a prominent voice in this crisis, stressing the need for uninterrupted three-phase power supply to support the irrigation efforts of delta farmers.

“The failure to deliver consistent three-phase electricity has left farmers unable to operate water pumps efficiently, exacerbating the water crisis,” Ramadoss highlighted in a recent address. “In regions like Thanjavur and Tiruvarur, where paddy fields typically rely on the Cauvery’s seasonal flow, the lack of irrigation has led to cracked soil and withering crops.”

The Impact of Disrupted Power on Groundwater Utilization

The disruption in power supply has created a domino effect, forcing farmers to rely heavily on borewells for irrigation. However, the prolonged reliance on these wells has strained their resources, as the electricity required to power submersible pumps is often inconsistent. This has led to a situation where over one lakh acres of farmland are now dependent on groundwater extraction, which is both costly and unsustainable. Ramadoss emphasized that without the promised three-phase power, farmers are facing a dual challenge: dwindling water reserves and financial instability.

“The lack of uninterrupted three-phase power over several weeks has not only hindered irrigation but also disrupted the entire agricultural supply chain,” he noted. “Farmers are spending upwards of ₹30,000 per acre on seeds, fertilizers, and labor, yet the current power situation leaves them unable to recoup their investments.”

Historical Context and Government Response

The Cauvery delta’s dependency on the Mettur dam for irrigation is well established. Typically, water releases from the dam begin on June 12, ensuring a steady supply for the kuruvai season. However, this year’s delayed release has created a backlog, leaving millions of acres of paddy fields vulnerable. While the state government has acknowledged the problem, critics argue that solutions such as guaranteed power supply have not been prioritized. Ramadoss pointed out that the situation has been worsening for months, with farmers left to manage without the necessary infrastructure.

“This is not the first time we have faced such a crisis, but the government’s delayed response has made it more severe,” Ramadoss stated. “The kuruvai relief package, which includes subsidies and support for agricultural inputs, must be delivered promptly. Without it, the loss of up to 6 lakh acres of potential planting land could be irreversible.”

Call for Immediate Policy Interventions

In a bid to address the crisis, the PMK party has proposed a series of policy measures aimed at ensuring agricultural stability. These include the immediate restoration of 18 hours of daily power supply to delta farmers and the allocation of a ₹5,000 per-acre input subsidy. The party leader argued that these steps are both feasible and necessary to mitigate the damage caused by the dual challenges of water scarcity and power interruptions. “The three-phase power supply is the backbone of modern irrigation,” Ramadoss reiterated. “Its disruption has created a crisis that demands urgent attention.”

“The state government must act swiftly to prevent further economic and agricultural losses,” he urged. “Delta farmers have already incurred significant costs, and without uninterrupted three-phase power, the situation will only worsen.”

Broader Implications for Tamil Nadu’s Economy

The current crisis underscores the vulnerability of Tamil Nadu’s agricultural sector, which contributes significantly to the state’s economy. With over 60% of the state’s population dependent on agriculture, the loss of paddy crops could have cascading effects on livelihoods and food security. Ramadoss warned that the government’s failure to guarantee three-phase power supply may lead to long-term consequences, including reduced agricultural output and increased debt among farmers. “This is not just a local issue—it’s a national concern,” he said. “The PMK party is demanding that the state government prioritize the needs of delta farmers to safeguard the state’s economy.”