NAMAKKAL: More than 100 farmers led by Namakkal MP V S Matheswaran observed a hunger strike at Paramathi Velur on Thursday demanding immediate release of water from Jedarpalayam barrage in the Cauvery river into the Raja Vaikkal canal.Farmers alleged that water supply to the canal was stopped without notice 30 days ago, leaving standing crops parched and cultivators in distress.The canal irrigates nearly 30,000 acres of farmland in Paramathi Velur, Nanjai Idaiyaru, Jedarpalayam, Palappatti, Kuppuchipalayam, Pothanur and Pandamangalam. Farmers grow sugarcane, betel leaves, banana, tapioca and reed grass there.Stating that the livelihood of several farmers were at stake, Matheswaran urged govt to restore water flow immediately to save crops and protect agriculture-dependent families.R Palanisamy of Nanjai Idaiyaru said farmers invested heavily in betel leaf cultivation this season. Betel leaf creepers were drying up without water. “Farmers would be ruined unless supply resumed,” he said.The protest, organised by Kongu Nadu Makkal Desiya Katchi, drew farmers and residents from affected villages. The protesters said they would intensify their agitation if authorities failed to release water.
