Tihidi: Many people in Tihidi block of Bhadrak are reluctant to take up farming due to poor irrigation facilities.
According to a report, there are 22,683 hectares of farmland in this block out of which 16, 887 hectares have no irrigation facility. Moreover, the existing irrigation system like the Dasamouza canal has been left unrepaired.
The canal used to irrigate farmland in 10 panchayats, but it is now choked with silt, locals alleged. Farmlands in Dalasahi, Guamala, Talapada, Mukundapur, Achak, Bhatapada, Fathehpur, Kolha and Sindol panchayats used to get water for irrigation from the Dasamouza canal. The last time it was renovated was 10 years ago. Since then it has been left to silt.
Paddy is cultivated in 20,711 hectares while vegetables are grown in 1,972 hectares. Of the total 31 panchayats under this block, 15 are prone to saline ingress.
Official data indicates that 2,000 hectares are irrigated by water from river Salandi; 1,501 hectares by lift irrigation; 850 hectares by creeks; and 950 hectares by other sources like seasonal rainfall.
The block has 91 lift irrigation projects, but 60 of them have become defunct. No step has been taken to set them right while the government claims that it is working for the development of agriculture, lamented some farmers.
Rabi crop is raised in 7,486 hectares, but 1,690 hectares lack irrigational coverage. This has become a major hurdle for the farmers.
Social worker Khageswar Behura said for lack of irrigation facility, farmers are not keen on taking up agriculture.
Uttam Kumar Mohapatra, chief of ATMA, a local outfit, observed that if more lift irrigation points are set up along with the renovation of the canal, thousands of farmers stand to benefit.
Block agriculture officer Antaryami Dhir said due to lack of irrigation facility, there is no boost to rabi crops. Irrigation should be given due attention, he added.
PNN