Karnataka farmers upset over ban on use of Cauvery water
Directives from authorities in the Cauvery basin districts prohibiting the use of river water for irrigation have agitated farmers and planters, particularly in Mysuru, Mandya, and Kodagu. Farmers have asserted that this is crucial irrigation time to safeguard crops. However, with the State grappling with drought, priority is being given to supplying drinking water to Bengaluru, Mysuru, and other major towns.
In Kodagu, planters have initiated irrigation for their coffee plantations, but the district administration has prohibited the use of river water for it.
Nanda Ganapathy, a farmer, said: “Irrigation is a crucial process for ensuring good yields annually. However, the district administration has instructed farmers not to utilise river water for it. This decision will significantly affect coffee plantations, given the lack of adequate rainfall in Kodagu this year.”
On Friday, members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) protested against the district administration in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Madikeri.
The Federation of Farmers’ Organisations and the
State Sugarcane Growers’ Federation in Mandya have been urging the government to release water from the Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini dam for irrigation.
Kurubur Shanthakumar, a farmers’ leader, said: “Farmers from Old Mysore and Bengaluru are suffering owing to bar imposed on irrigation. We have appealed to the government to release water into canals to protect crops and provide drinking water to the people in the Cauvery basin. However, the government is prioritising water release to Tamil Nadu.”
Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja said: “The order is not to trouble anyone, especially farmers. With drought persisting this year, it’s crucial to conserve water for essential needs, especially with peak summer ahead.”