Government unmoved as orchardists, farmers suffer due to ongoing dry spell: NC

Administration must take immediate steps to address water shortage across Kashmir

Administration must take immediate steps to address water shortage across Kashmir

Srinagar, 14 August:(KNS) Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Friday asked the J&k government to take immediate steps towards providing succor to the farmers affected from the prevailing dry spell which has run havoc on all sorts of agriculture and horticulture activities in Kashmir.

Party Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said that previously the farmers had been suffering on account of the deficiency of irrigation water, and that the prevailing dry spell, he said, has compounded the problems of farmers associated with all sorts of agricultural activities. “We have been making fervent appeals to the government to clear all the clogged canals to ensure hassle free supply of water to paddy areas; however our repeated pleas fell on deaf ears. Except for a few places nothing substantial was done to ensure smooth supply of irrigation water to orchards and paddy fields. What has compounded the problems of the agriculturalists is the undergoing dry spell. The prevailing dry spell has run havoc on all kinds of agriculture and horticulture produce by hampering the flowering, and seed maturation stage of various crops including rice, pulses, Apples and stone fruits. The crop losses due to harsh dry season is pushing the farmers and horticulturists to despair, the poor lot had already incurred heavy losses due to last year’s clampdown and harsh precipitation during last winter season. They had pinned high hopes on this year’s annual produce, which unfortunately won’t be up to their expectations also. Therefore it is binding on the government to come to their rescue by compensating their losses,” he said.

He also expressed concern on the scarcity of potable drinking water across the valley including Srinagar city. “Consumption of the untreated water would spread water borne diseases thereby putting the lives of people in jeopardy. I urge the administration to come to their rescue and ensure hassle free supply of portable drinking water in central Kashmir Including the suburbs of Srinagar city. Administration is duty bound to ensure all facilities to people,” he said.(KNS) 

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