Palwal farmers hit hard by water, DAP scarcity, waterlogging woes

Farmers in Palwal district continue to face persistent issues with irrigation water shortages, waterlogging, and the limited availability of DAP fertiliser. District authorities claim efforts are underway to address these challenges.

“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 due to technical issues and inconsistent power supply.

Adding to farmers’ woes is an alleged shortfall of DAP fertiliser. “The limited supply of DAP has farmers queuing daily outside distribution centres, with no assurance of obtaining fertiliser on time,” said Mohan Singh, a local farmer. As DAP is essential for sowing rabi crops, Singh stressed the need for timely supply by early November. Bhagat Singh, another farmer, claimed that black marketing and hoarding of DAP are worsening the shortage.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Harish Vashistha confirmed that DAP availability is being prioritised, with additional fertiliser stocks recently arriving in the district. Regarding irrigation and waterlogging concerns, he said the administration is implementing a comprehensive plan to address these issues. Executive Engineer Mohit Vashist of the Irrigation Department added that while water supply to the Gurgaon canal is ongoing, Agra canal flow will resume soon after maintenance.