Tamil Nadu farmers confront severe drought as water supplies run dry

An acute water shortage has hit the Kumarapalayam region of Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal district, where more than 20 irrigation lakes have completely dried up. The loss of water threatens paddy, turmeric, banana and sugarcane crops across thousands of acres, worsens groundwater availability and raises fears of widespread crop failure, debt and loss of livelihood for farming families. Local residents and activists have urged the state government to conduct field inspections, release water from the Mettur dam and provide emergency relief measures, including financial assistance and improved irrigation.

Farmers in the Delta region have also appealed for prompt kuruvai procurement, citing poor water levels at Mettur and reliance on groundwater for cultivation. They are demanding a pre‑procurement meeting with officials to discuss solutions and ensure that the limited harvest can be processed efficiently. The combined calls highlight growing distress among Tamil Nadu’s agricultural community as they await adequate rainfall and government intervention.