Canals dried up for cleaning, Muktsar, Fazilka farmers edgy

The odd timing of the closure of canals for cleaning has left farmers worried in Muktsar and Fazilka districts. At this juncture, they need water to irrigate the early sown wheat crop. Besides, kinnow growers need water to maintain the moisture level of the soil as the weatherman has forecast frost for the next few days.

For the past about two weeks, Muktsar minor, Barkandi minor and Rupana minor, all falling in Muktsar district, have been running dry.

Further, the Abohar division of the Department of Water Resources has now issued a schedule for the closure of Abohar branch, Malukpura minor, Panjawa minor, Daulatpura minor and Ramsara minor in Fazilka district from December 2 to 17 for their cleaning.

Farmers said they need water to irrigate early sown wheat. “It is strange that the department has decided to undertake cleaning work at a time when the farmers require water to irrigate their fields. In the coming days, more water will be required,” said Jarnail Singh, Baljit Singh and Jaswant Singh, all farmers.

Sukhjit Singh, Executive Engineer, Water Resources Department, Gidderbaha Division, said, “Three minors are closed for the past about 10 days in Muktsar district for their cleaning. The work could not start early because of the imposition of poll code. However, we are hopeful that the ongoing work will be finished in the next three-four days.”

Gurnam Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer, Muktsar, said, “We had suggested to the department concerned to close some minors, if required, from November 2 to 24. The early sown wheat now requires water. A total of 2.10 lakh hectares are to be brought under wheat cultivation in the district and 97% target has been achieved so far.”

Navdeep Smagh, a kinnow grower from Danewala Satkosi in Fazilka district, said, “The kinnow yield is already 50% below average. Now, the department has announced the closure of some canals in December. Fruit dropping will increase as there is a forecast of frost in early December and we will be unable to maintain the moisture level of soil.”