Farmers seek compensation as water shortage threatens second paddy crop

With little chance of getting enough water, farmers may be forced to skip the second crop

Farmers in Palakkad are facing the loss of the second paddy crop due to a shortage of water, adding to their financial burden as payments for paddy procured in the last season remain pending. The Kisan Sabha district committee will stage a sit-in protest in front of the Collectorate here on Thursday, demanding compensation and government support.

The shortage of rain linked to the El Nino phenomenon has reduced water levels in the Malampuzha and Parambikulam-Aliyar dam systems, which farmers depend on for paddy cultivation. With little chance of getting enough water, farmers may be forced to skip the second crop. The shortage could also affect other crops, further reducing farm income.