Tamil Nadu power crunch leaves paddy fields parched, farmers fear heavy losses

Hundreds of farmers across parts of Thanjavur district are facing the prospect of heavy financial losses as an inadequate supply of three-phase electricity disrupts irrigation for standing summer paddy crops, leaving fields dry and crops withering under intense heat.

The crisis has hit the Cauvery delta region at a particularly sensitive time. With water levels in the Mettur Dam remaining below expectations, the Tamil Nadu government has yet to announce the customary 12 June release of water for Kuruvai cultivation. Anticipating uncertainty over canal irrigation, many farmers opted to cultivate summer, or Vasantha, paddy using groundwater resources.

Farmers say they invested as much as Rs 30,000 per acre on seeds, fertilisers, labour and other inputs, expecting a healthy harvest. However, irregular power supply has left electric pump sets unable to operate effectively, threatening months of hard work and investment.

“Without regular three-phase power, we cannot run our agricultural motors. The crops are drying up before our eyes,” farmers said, warning that the situation has become critical.

To keep their fields irrigated, some farmers have switched to diesel-powered pump sets, but the additional fuel costs have become a burden, particularly for small and marginal cultivators already struggling with rising input expenses.

More than 20 villages, including Viluthiyur, Irumbuthalai, Manakkudi and Muniyur, are reportedly affected by the power shortage. In several areas, irrigation has virtually come to a standstill, with cracks appearing in farmland and standing paddy showing visible signs of stress and wilting.

Farmers fear that unless uninterrupted power supply is restored immediately, significant portions of the crop could be lost. Many have taken loans to finance cultivation and now worry they may be unable to recover their investments.

The affected cultivators have appealed to the Tamil Nadu government and electricity authorities to ensure adequate three-phase power for agricultural operations and prevent further crop damage.

“Timely intervention is crucial. If power supply is not restored soon, we may lose the entire crop and face severe financial hardship,” farmers warned.

The crisis has added to concerns in the Cauvery delta, where uncertainty over irrigation water availability and rising cultivation costs are already placing pressure on the agricultural community ahead of the next paddy season.

With IANS inputs