Drought-like situation in south Kashmir, farmers in distress

A deepening drought across south Kashmir has pushed agriculture to the brink, with hundreds of acres of farmland in districts like Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian facing severe irrigation crises.

- JAHANGEER GANAIE

As per the news agency, despite efforts from the administration, low water levels in irrigation canals have left paddy fields parched and farmers distraught.

In several villages of Anantnag — including Hakura, Palpora, Khoshipora, Bragam, Nowpora, Kreeri, Nethipora, Batengoo, Uranhall, Shamsipora, Jablipora, Husanpora, Aarwani, Monghal, Chirhama, and Ruhu — vast stretches of paddy land are cracking under the scorching heat, with no signs of water flow.

In Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama, similar scenes are unfolding at different locations like Frisal hamlet in Kulgam, Awantipora and Kakapora hamlets of Pulwama and Wanduna area of Shopian.

The heatwave has worsened the situation. With little to no rainfall in recent weeks, irrigation sources have dried up, and natural springs are running at alarmingly low levels.