Mettur level at 36ft, CM to take a call on release: Gagandeep

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of his inspection, Gagandeep Bedisaid the state government has allocated Rs 30 crore for the development of amenities at government farms across the state. Stating that the Mettur reservoir has just 35-ft (9.83 TMC) water, the Gagandeep Bedi noted that it is minimal, compared to the previous years and the customary release of water by June 12 will be decided by the Chief Minister later. 

“While farmers have been facing difficulties due to poor water availability, the state government has been initiating steps to get the water due to them. The government has been encouraging the drip irrigation system to check the water requirement and so this year, a fund of Rs 982 crore has been allotted for drip irrigation against Rs 600 crore in the previous year,” he said. 

He added that small and marginal farmers are given 100 per cent subsidy while others are provided 75 per cent subsidy to install drip irrigation facility. The state government has been encouraging the growers to take up organic farming and proper training has been given to them, he said. 

Cold storage facilities have been under construction at an estimated cost of Rs 398 crore across the state with which the farmers can store their produce until they get expected the price, he said. Earlier, he inspected the National Pulses Research Centre Vamban, horticulture farm at Vallathirakottai and Anna Farm at Kudumiyanmalai.