Severe water crisis for winter sowing in Deesa as Sipu Dam runs dry

The winter sowing season has commenced in Deesa taluka of Banaskantha district, but farmers in several villages are facing difficulties due to the lack of water for irrigation. According to a report by Sandesh, the water situation has become extremely critical in several villages, including Baiwada, Therwada, Vithodar, and Javal. Farmers have prepared their fields and are ready for sowing, but not a single drop of water is available for irrigation.

Canals have been constructed for irrigation in this area, but since the Sipu Dam, which supplies water to these canals, is currently empty, all the canals have run dry. The situation is so dire that it is becoming difficult for farmers not only to carry out agriculture but also to sustain their animal husbandry business. According to the farmers, previously some water was available, based on which they could sow in 2 to 5 bighas of land and maintain animal husbandry, but now a severe shortage of water has occurred.

Farmers have a strong demand to the government that water be brought to the Sipu Dam at any cost and irrigation water be provided through the canals. On the other hand, according to another report by Sandesh, potato sowing has begun in the Banaskantha region, including Deesa, with the onset of winter. However, due to negligible rainfall and water shortages in many areas, potato sowing is likely to decrease.

Despite losses worth crores of rupees in the potato crop last year, farmers have once again embarked on sowing with hope. Some indebted farmers are sowing by procuring seeds and fertilizers from traders on interest and credit. This year, farmers have changed their sowing methods and are making more use of seed varieties such as Santana and Colombo. Potato sowing will continue in the Deesa region for the next 15 to 20 days.