Paddy season ahead: farmers anxious over power supply

With farmers set to start paddy transplantation from June 10 in the district, they are concerned about the power supply to the fields during paddy season. The farmers had got an average of five hours' supply daily instead of eight hours, as promised by the state government during paddy season last year.

With farmers set to start paddy transplantation from June 10 in the district, they are concerned about the power supply to the fields during paddy season.

The farmers had got an average of five hours' supply daily instead of eight hours, as promised by the state government during paddy season last year.

Several farmers have ploughed the fields and are ready to plant seedlings. During paddy season, demand for electricity increases in rural areas, as paddy crop needs a lot of water. The main source to get water for fields in most parts of the state is electrical pumps.

Therefore, farmers have demanded uninterrupted eight-hour power supply this year.

Tejinder Singh, a farmer in Ayali village, said, “We have arranged labourers to sow paddy. The seedlings have also been prepared. But, we are concerned about the power supply, which should be provided more than eight hours. As the rainy season is far, so we depend on electricity pumps for watering the fields.”

Gursharan Singh from Jodhan, said, “The power was supplied for average five hours daily during last season, but this time we want the government to provide eight hours power supply to sow paddy. At present, we get power supply for four hours daily before commencing of paddy season. We are hopeful that government will fulfill its promise.”

He said they were going to plant saplings of paddy from Monday as per instructions of the government.

In order to accommodate the consumers in agricultural sector, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) had imposed long power cuts in domestic and industrial sector during paddy season last year.

According to sources, power cuts can be imposed in domestic sector this time as well.

When contacted, PSPCL deputy chief engineer Tarlok Singh said the corporation was committed to provide eight hours power supply to farmers for sowing of paddy crop. He assured that the farmers would not face any inconvenience.
Demand over eight-hour power supply to enable them to use electrical pumps for watering fields.