Erratic electricity supply and a prolonged dry spell have left paddy farmers across Punjab grappling with cracked fields and rising cultivation costs. Many are forced to rely on expensive diesel generators for irrigation, deepening their financial worries during the critical transplantation period.
Farmers Report Cracked Fields and Rising Costs
Dalbir Singh, a 60-year-old farmer from Ismail village in Nakodar, described his distress: “Soka pai gaya hai (the fields have dried up). Every time I look at my fields, my heart sinks.” He attributes the cracks in his fields to inadequate irrigation caused by erratic power supply and dry weather.
Inderjit Singh, a farmer from Sandhwan Phrala village in Nawanshahr, noted that cracks had begun appearing in his fields. “Until yesterday, we were getting electricity for a limited time. We’ll see how it goes today. Hopefully, the supply will improve from now on,” he said.
Impact on Irrigation and Crop Yield
Farmers explained that when cracks develop, water seeps deep into the ground instead of remaining on the surface, making irrigation more difficult. Dalbir warned, “If we don’t get proper electricity supply now, crop yield will get affected.” He also noted that weed growth had increased, forcing farmers to spend more on weed management. “I have never witnessed such a situation before,” he added.
Protest and Demand for Reliable Power
The growing distress prompted farmers to stage a protest outside the PSPCL office in Jalandhar on Tuesday, demanding an assured eight-hour electricity supply. Farmers highlighted their increasing dependence on diesel generators, which sharply raises production costs. “Diesel costs more than Rs 95 per litre. A generator consumes nearly five to six litres an hour, resulting in substantial additional expenses,” they said.
Reduced Sowing and Financial Strain
Harjit Singh of Samrai village in Jalandhar said he had cultivated paddy on 70 acres last year but had managed to sow only 30 acres so far this season due to inadequate power supply. “Under normal circumstances, irrigation would have been completed by now. Instead, we are on tenterhooks,” he said.
PSPCL Response and Power Demand
Sarabjit Singh, Chief Engineer (North) of PSPCL, acknowledged the issue, stating that power demand had risen due to intense heat. “There are power cuts in the industrial sector as well. However, we have assured farmers that efforts are being made to ensure proper electricity supply. It has improved from today itself,” he said.
Broader Economic Impact
Davinder Singh, a farmer from Nawanshahr, said irregular power supply had continued until recently, making irrigation increasingly difficult. Major Singh, vice-president of the BKU (Rajewal), estimated that the cost of cultivating paddy is about Rs 18,000-20,000 per acre, including transplantation, land preparation, labour and fertilisers. “Irregular electricity supply will increase the burden further. If the situation does not improve immediately, paddy production could be affected this season,” he warned.
