Storm in the rice bowl

Sub: Geography

Sec: Indian Physical Geo

Challenges Facing Cauvery Delta Farmers

Economic and Environmental Issues:

Economic Strain: Farmers face a widening gap between cultivation costs and returns, continuous land fragmentation, and reluctance from the next generation to pursue farming.
Water Scarcity: Dependence on monsoons, depleted groundwater (below 1,000 feet), and insufficient canal water exacerbate problems.
Labour Market Changes: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) (also called 100 naal thittam) affects the availability and cost of farm labour. “Outsider workers” are increasingly involved in farming.
- The farmland is shrinking and the next generation is reluctant to take up agriculture.

Regional Variations:

Karaikal (Puducherry): Traditional water distribution systems have improved but still face issues. Farmers are also impacted by MGNREGS and fluctuating crop prices, such as cotton.
North Indian Workers: In areas like Thiruvarur, labour shortages are mitigated by hiring workers from northern India.
Brahmanavayal village: Located at the tail end of the irrigation system, farmers struggle with water access and high borewell costs. The Grand Anicut Canal System hasn’t undergone necessary silt removal, despite multiple petitions.

Agricultural Protection and Legislation

Tamil Nadu Protected Agricultural Zone Development Act, 2020: Some regions like Ariyalur are excluded, while others feel the Act has not significantly impacted. There are ongoing concerns about farmland conversion for non-agricultural uses.

Call for Sustainable Practices:

Natural and Organic Farming: Some farmers adopt traditional practices and urge the government to procure organic rice for Anganwadi.
Water Management: Emphasis on judicious use of water and implementing groundwater-recharge programs is crucial.

Source: TH