Coconut farmers in deep crisis, buy water to prevent the tree crop from withering away
Coconut farmers in the Dharapuram-Kangayam belt are facing a severe crisis due to failed monsoons and water shortages. Many are forced to purchase expensive water to prevent their crops from dying, leading to concerns over future productivity and financial stability.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the vulnerability of regional agriculture to climate-induced water scarcity and the need for government intervention.
Farmers in Dharapuram-Kangayam belt have been pushed into a situation of purchasing water for saving the coconut tree crop from withering away.
Due to the failure of southwest monsoon and the uncertainty of northeast monsoon, the farmers, despite their tough financial situation, it is learnt, are not prepared to take chances.
A tanker lorry of 14,000 litres of water costs about ₹3,000, and expenditure to this extent has to be incurred per acre at least twice a week to keep the trees alive, according to a farmer in Kangayam belt.
The productivity of these tree crops is bound to be low.
The farmers in the ayacut area of PAP Main Canal are concerned over what they perceive as the absence of proper steps on the part of Water Resources Department for releasing water for two wettings for reviving the withering coconut tree crop in the second zone.
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