Agriculture minister PM Narendraswamy said while water-intensive crops would be discouraged, the govt will support cultivation of fruits and vegetables
Govt sources told TOI that energy, agriculture and water resources departments jointly mooted the proposal following the failure of the Southwest monsoon and uncertainty over the ongoing Northeast monsoon. “While the depletion of reservoir storage is the primary concern, record electricity consumption by irrigation pump sets and a falling groundwater table have also necessitated a rethink,” a senior energy department official said. “Sept’s record demand was a warning of the challenges ahead,” an official said. Agriculture minister PM Narendraswamy said govt and farmers must adapt to the crisis, and while cultivation of crops like paddy and cotton would be discouraged, vegetables and fruits needed for daily consumption would be treated differently. “This is not the time to discuss who is right or wrong,” Narendraswamy said.
“IMD forecasts point to a scorching summer, which will drive up electricity consumption as households depend on air conditioners and cooling appliances. If irrigation pump sets also operate, the combined demand would put enormous pressure on the grid. “Everyone understands the gravity of the situation. Farmers traditionally cultivate two or even three crops a year, but given availability of canal and groundwater, getting through this crisis itself will be a challenge.”