Banana farmers are excited by the early release of water from the Mettur dam for irrigation in the delta districts.
Banana is generally grown in about 5,900 hectares in the district. 10 months crop cultivation, especially nendran The variety is introduced during April-May and planting is almost complete. Till the dam was opened, the only way for farmers to irrigate banana fields was to tap groundwater.
About 70% of the farmers always depend on their counterparts who have pump sets to irrigate the crop. Many times the dam was opened for irrigation with a delay of about two to three months from the date of June 12. They also used to buy water till the dam opened.
According to a rough estimate, it costs ₹10,000 to buy water to irrigate one acre of banana crop in a season. About 10% of the total cost of growing a banana in a season is spent.
The early opening of the dam has changed the dynamics in favor of banana growers as they will not have to depend on pump sets to irrigate their fields this time, unless the north-east monsoon fails. They are all set to irrigate the crop with Cauvery water through canals.
“It is a big relief for us as we are not at the mercy of farmers who pump set to irrigate banana fields this year. I am hopeful that this will save ₹10,000 per acre,” said banana grower S. Senthil, who nendran Banana variety on 4.5 acres of land at Panayapuram on the banks of Kaveri in Tiruchi district.
He says that the field needs water once in five to six days. Water flow in the Cauvery and supply canals will increase the moisture content of the soil. This will always strengthen the banana plants, leading to higher yields.
Tiruchi’s deputy director of horticulture P. Vimala said the signs were strong for higher area coverage this year. Against 4,500 hectares of normal coverage in Lalgudi, Thiruverumbur and Anthanallur blocks, 6,000 to 6,500 hectares were expected to come under banana cultivation this year.