Buldhana administration agrees to one round of irrigation for drying tur, cotton and turmeric

A prolonged dry spell this year has put kharif crops in Buldhana district in trouble. In many places standing crops have begun to dry for want of water, leaving farmers in a serious crisis. The administration has now taken a positive stance: after keeping the reserve needed for drinking water in the district's projects, the remaining water will be given once for irrigating tur, cotton and turmeric crops.

Deficient rain has damaged the kharif crops of many farmers in the district. In some places the crops are on the verge of drying up completely. Farmers had demanded that if they got water even once, the crops could be saved.

Union Minister of State Prataprao Jadhav took the initiative on this demand. He held meetings with District Collector Dr Pravinkumar Deore and the officials concerned, and reviewed the available water reserves.

The meeting examined how much water the district's projects hold, how much drinking water may be needed ahead, and how much could be lost to evaporation. Beyond the drinking-water requirement and the likely loss, an additional 10 per cent reserve will also be kept. The plan is to use whatever water remains after that for farming.

The question of fodder for animals has also become serious, not just that of crops. The administration has therefore shown a positive attitude towards releasing water from the projects in phases for livestock fodder as well.

Jadhav has appealed to farmers to use the water they receive very sparingly. He has said the water should be used only for the current kharif crops and for fodder, and not for rabi season crops.

Overall, farmers in Buldhana, hit by the lack of rain, hope this decision will bring them some support. They are still watching closely how much water they will actually get, and when it will be released from which project.