Farmers' body rues poor irrigation management
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 26 2023: The dilapidating condition of irrigation canals in many parts of the state subsequent to construction of rail tracks has added to the woes of the farmers as water scarcity has hit them hard, said All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association (AMPFA).

Speaking to reporters on the side-lines of an inspection visit conducted by AMPFA members to assess impact from construction of railway tracks on irrigation canals in Maklang area under Imphal West district, on Sunday, AMPFA president Konthoujam Thoiba pointed out that paddy fields in Moidangpok Maning, Khumbong Maning, Ngairangbam Maning, Sanjenbam, Haorang, Maklang Maning and Haorang Sabal areas have been facing shortage of water as the land on the flanks of the high canal of Loktak Lift irrigation project have been converted into agricultural fields, in addition to construction of the railway tracks.

Despite the state receiving adequate rainfall (1149.4 millimetre) in the year 2020-21, in addition to existence of various dams and water bodies, the farmers are facing the problem because of poor irrigation system, Thoiba said while adding that construction of railway tracks in Maklang area has resulted in shallowing of Apunlok river bed to the extent of vehicles easily crossing the river during the lean season.

He further informed that the Loktak Lift Irrigation project which was inaugurated in 1979 is yet to serve the purpose due to lack of maintenance.

Despite various representations submitted to the authorities concerned for proper construction and maintenance of irrigation canals, nothing positive has been taken up till date and the farmers are deprived of proper irrigation facilities.

If the matter is not addressed at the earliest through implementation of a long term policy, many of the paddy fields would vanish and the state would become remain dependent on others, he said while adding that intense form of agitations would be launched if proper irrigation facilities are not provided and the problem of water'scarcity remains ignored.

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