Ranipet, Tamil Nadu: Losing power supply for around six hours daily, especially in the mornings and evenings, over the last 15 days, has affected the crop cultivation process, claimed farmers in the district. The fluctuations in power supply affects irrigation, as most farmers rely on motor pumps for the process, reported The New Indian Express.
A farmer from the region, lamented, ‘Before sowing, we need to irrigate the fields using motor pumps. However, due to the frequent power outages, we are unable to do so.’
Subhash, President of the Tamilaga Vivasaya Sangam Youth Wing, highlighted the necessity of a three-phase electricity connection for operating motor pumps. ‘Regrettably, the power cuts often result in one of the phases being disconnected, worsening the situation,’ he noted.
Various areas in Ranipet, including Nemili, Reddywaram, Kaveripakkam, Ullinallur, and Siruvalayam, reportedly continue to face persistent power outages.
One more farmer, recounted, ‘Last week, I hired 20 farm laborers to work on my land. However, due to the ongoing power supply issues, they couldn’t complete the tasks. The same scenario continued the following day.’
In conversation with reporters, Superintendent Engineer Officer R Ramalingam disputed the allegations of frequent power outages, while also assuring that, if notified; the matter would be appropriately addressed.
Paddy, millets (such as cholam, cumbu, and ragi), maize, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, and cotton rank among the principal crops cultivated by farmers in Ranipet and its environs.
