Punjab Kinnow Growers Face Crisis as Canal Water Supply Suspended Amid Heatwave
Canal shutdown amid 45°C heat leaves Punjab kinnow growers worried
The Times Of IndiaImage: The Times Of India
A 10-day shutdown of canal water supply in Punjab's Fazilka and Muktsar districts has raised concerns among kinnow growers as temperatures soar to nearly 45°C. Farmers rely on canal water for irrigation, and the timing of the closure is deemed critical for their crops.
- 01The Punjab water resources department has closed the Abohar branch of the Sirhind feeder canal for cleaning, impacting irrigation.
- 02Farmers argue that the canal cleaning should have occurred earlier, given the current heatwave and drought conditions.
- 03Saline groundwater in the region is unsuitable for kinnow orchards, making canal water essential for irrigation.
- 04Farmers have expressed urgency for water supply, stating that kinnow orchards need watering every two to three weeks.
- 05Local officials acknowledged the need for canal cleaning but emphasized the importance of maintaining water supply for crops.
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In Punjab's kinnow-growing regions of Fazilka and Muktsar, orchard owners are experiencing distress due to a 10-day suspension of canal water supply amid a severe heatwave with temperatures nearing 45°C. The Punjab water resources department ordered the closure of the Abohar branch of the Sirhind feeder canal for cleaning, which farmers believe should have been scheduled earlier. They rely on canal water for irrigation, as saline groundwater is unsuitable for their crops. Orchard owner Ajay Wadhwa highlighted the urgent need for water, stating that kinnow trees require irrigation every two to three weeks. Farmers affiliated with the BKU (Rajewal) have urged local authorities to reconsider the shutdown, emphasizing the critical timing for their crops. Despite assurances from Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding additional water supply, the current situation has left farmers anxious about the health of their orchards and vegetable crops. Local officials acknowledged the necessity of cleaning the canals but stressed the importance of ensuring adequate water supply during this crucial period.
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The suspension of canal water supply threatens the health of kinnow orchards and vegetable crops in Punjab.
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