Gujarat Government Responds to Farming Crisis with Extended Electricity and Water Supply
Focused Efforts to Alleviate Drought Concerns: Additional Electricity Hours and Water from Multiple Dams for 12 Lakh Farmers
Gujarat, India — Following the dual natural calamities of the Biparjoy cyclone and Megharaja deluge that wreaked havoc across Gujarat, farmers in the state find themselves grappling with a drought situation due to the absence of rainfall in August. With monsoon crops at risk and an outcry for water, particularly in the Banaskantha district, the state government has announced relief measures aimed at agriculture and livestock sectors.
Alleviating Water Shortages
The farmers' concerns have risen to a fever pitch due to deficient rains in North and Central Gujarat, leading to water shortages that have been acutely felt in border villages. A farmer-led demand for the government to supply either electricity or water from the canal for 10 hours to replenish ponds has gained traction. Responding to the crisis, the state government announced that from September 1, farmers will receive an additional two hours of electricity.
Priority Crops to Receive Focused Attention
Given that standing crops like cotton, groundnut, and paddy require more water due to the scarcity of rainfall, the government has decided to extend electricity supply from the current 8 hours to 10 hours. "Priority will be accorded to these crops in supplying both electricity and water," stated the Agriculture Minister.
Comprehensive Relief Measures
The government's announcement will benefit an estimated 12 lakh farmers across various districts including Kutch, Mehsana, Surendranagar, Kheda, Patan, Rajkot, and Jamnagar. Other districts like Ahmedabad, Dwarka, Banaskantha, Junagadh, and Sabarkantha are also included in this initiative. "Wherever there is a demand for water, it will be made available for irrigation," the government assured. Apart from the Narmada Dam, water will also be sourced from other dams to meet the demand.
The recent announcements come as a relief to farmers and cattle herders who have been facing water scarcity amid concerns over failing monsoon crops. The measures represent a comprehensive approach to mitigate the immediate crisis, while further actions are awaited to address the long-term issues of water and energy resources for agriculture in the state.
