Low pressure keeps Narmada water from Shajapur farms in Maksi, farmers wait 13 days

Irrigation water from the Narmada project has begun to flow in the Maksi area of Shajapur district, but low pressure is stopping it from reaching fields properly. Farmers have been waiting 13 to 15 days for irrigation water. Wheat, gram and other rabi crops sown over thousands of bighas are now under threat.

Under the Narmada-Kshipra multipurpose project, farmers in the Maksi area are to be given Narmada water for irrigation. Hundreds of farmers in Jalalpur Kheda, Luniyakhedi Road and nearby areas have sown wheat, gram and other rabi crops. They had hoped that timely water from the project would end their irrigation problems. But even after supply began, low pressure means the water is not reaching the fields.

According to the farmers, they have been waiting 13 days for adequate water. In some places water is coming once in three days, while many fields are not getting any. Farmers have spent thousands of rupees on seed, fertiliser, sowing and irrigation. They say that if water does not arrive in time, they could lose the entire investment along with the crop.

Troubled by the problem, the farmers held a meeting in Maksi and put forward their demands. They say that merely releasing water from the project is not enough, and that it must reach the fields regularly and with adequate pressure. The farmers have asked officials to fix the arrangement quickly. They have also warned that they will launch an agitation if the problem is not resolved.

According to officials connected with the Narmada project, adequate water pressure is not building up because of a tripping problem. The officials have said they will try to resolve the problem by improving the system. For now, farmers are watching for a regular water supply, as standing crops over thousands of bighas could be affected if irrigation is not done on time.