Even as Karnataka failed to release Cauvery water for the Kuruvai season in Tamil Nadu and the Centre did not resolve the issue, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Saturday came to the rescue of farmers in the delta districts to continue their Kuruvai cultivation by promising three-phase power supply for 12 hours per day so that they can use pump-sets to get ground water for irrigation.
“Three-phase power supply will be provided for eight hours during the day time and four hours during the night time for Kuruvai crops from June 17 in delta areas — Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts, Kulithalai, Musiri and Lalgudi taluks in Tiruchy district and Chidambaram and Kattumannarkoil taluks in Cuddalore district,” the Chief Minister said.
“By this decision, the Kuruvai crops already raised would be saved, while farmers could start Kuruvai cultivation wherever possible. I hope the farmers will welcome this measure taken for continuing Kuruvai cultivation despite non-receipt of Cauvery water from Karnataka,” she said.