Farmers in Pongalur-Avinashipalayam belt flag deficiencies in three-phase power supply during night hours

Farmers in Pongalur-Avinashipalayam belt have complained of disruption to farming activities caused by shortcomings in three-phase power supply to pump sets.

According to the farmers, the TNPDCL (Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited) had, over the last week, been providing three-phase power supply only after midnight.

In non-delta districts, the TNPDCL provides three-phase power supply for six hours in the day-time and for the same duration after the peak hours, beyond 10 p.m.

At times the three-phase power supply starts as late as 1 a.m., but is wound up well before the six-hour duration, N. Ramesh, Tiruppur district unit secretary of Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Padhukappu Sangam said.

A majority of farmers who have installed pumps without auto-starters are the worst affected, as they cannot remain awake all through night, he pointed out.