Palwal farmers hit hard by water, DAP scarcity

Farmers in Palwal district continue to face issues with irrigation water shortages, waterlogging, and the limited availability of DAP.

“There has been no water in the channel supplying irrigation to the fields in the area for the past two weeks,” said Jagan Rawat, a resident of Pahari village. He said as farmers prepare for wheat sowing, irrigated fields are essential. Rawat explained that although water is being released into the Gurgaon canal, inadequate flow in distributary channels is creating problems. Similar concerns were raised by Bansi from Manpur village, who said the water shortage could delay or disrupt crop sowing. Reports of irrigation water scarcity have also emerged from villages like Malai, Utawar, Kot, Kondal, Rupraka, and Bahin.

Meanwhile, villages, including Akbarpur Natol, Jita Kherli, Siyaroli, Kahnoli, Mandkola, Madnaka, and several others are facing severe waterlogging. Though around 60 tube wells have been installed to aid drainage, locals report that many are non-functional.

Adding to their woes is a shortfall of DAP. “The limited supply has farmers queuing daily outside distribution centres,” said Mohan Singh, a farmer. Bhagat Singh, another farmer, said black marketing and hoarding were worsening the shortage.

DC Harish Vashistha said DAP availability was being prioritised.