Irrigation facilities, a poll issue in Doda constituency

Kathua, Apr 21 (ANI): Farmers living in a village in Jammu and Kashmir lamented about the lack of irrigation facilities.

70 per cent population from the Udhampur-Doda parliamentary constituency is dependent on agriculture and it is their only source of income.

Farmers of the hilly region are facing problems, as they are completely dependent on natural agriculture set up whereas farmers of the plains are facing roblems, as they are dependent on artificial irrigation like canals for agriculture.

The farmers are not given irrigation water for cultivation of crops simultaneously the farmers of the plains face damage of crops due to heavy rainfall.

The National Farmer Insurance Schemes has not been implemented in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Jammu and Kashmir has neither received any insurance policy by the government, nor do they have any such policy. We just want to say that uncertain weather changes will affect our crops, so the insurance should be done," said Jaswant Singh, a farmer.

The Kanji belt farmers are supposed to get irrigation water through the Ravi canal released by the Punjab Government.

"In our village, 100 per cent people are farmers, but the problem is irrigation is not solved yet. The Government once made a canal near river Ravi, but it never had water in it. So, we placed electrical pump sets on our own expense but even then it is of no use, as we don't receive proper electricity facilities," said Janak Maan, another farmer.

Instead of releasing 1200 cusec of water, only 300 to 400 cusecs of water is released.

According to the farmers, neither they have been given bonus and actual rates of crops as per the Punjab Government pattern nor have they received compensation for the drought ridden and damaged crops. They claim that they would cast their votes only when their issues would be solved.

The second phase of Lok Sabha elections will be held on April 23 in Udhampur-Doda constituency. By Tahir Nadeem Khan (ANI)