World · India Bureau
State govt blames prior administration, El Niño for farmer distress
A state minister has attributed current agricultural challenges to both legacy irrigation infrastructure failures and climate impacts, citing a sharp drop in water availability. Water usable for irrigation has fallen to just 49% of last year's levels, he stated during assembly proceedings.
LSN India ·
During assembly discussions, the state minister held the previous government responsible for inadequate irrigation infrastructure development, while also pointing to El Niño weather patterns as a contributing factor to the current plight of farmers across the region.
The minister revealed that usable water availability has plummeted significantly, standing at only 49% of the quantity available during the corresponding period last year. This substantial decline has intensified concerns over agricultural output and farmer livelihoods as the irrigation season progresses.
The dual attribution reflects ongoing tensions over infrastructure investment and maintenance between successive administrations. Officials have indicated that addressing the irrigation deficit will require both short-term measures to cope with climate variability and longer-term infrastructure improvements.
Farmers in the region have faced mounting pressure from water scarcity in recent months, with many dependent on monsoon patterns and stored reservoir levels. The government's acknowledgment of the water crisis comes as agricultural communities seek immediate relief and assurances of improved water management in coming seasons.