Surat: Paddy farmers in and around Surat district have opposed the irrigation department’s circular for not cultivating paddy in their farms during summer season due to water shortage in the Ukai reservoir because of scanty rainfall in the catchment areas.Farmers from Olpad, Choryasi, Sayan, Sachin and other parts of the city and district gathered at the Jehangirpura ginning mill compound under the aegis of the Gujarat Khedut Samaj (GKS) on Tuesday and tore the circular to mark their protest.According to the circular issued by the irrigation department, Ukai reservoir is having very less water compared to previous season due to scanty rainfall this season. However, this time around only four water rotation has been fixed for the rabi summer season from Kakrapar right bank canal. Last year, the cultivation of paddy in some of the areas in the district was very high due to which the water needs of cattle heads and vegetable crops was not satisfied.However, the farmers cultivating paddy should stay away from taking the crop in the summer season and switch to the crops requiring less amount of water.Talking to TOI, GKS president Jayesh Patel said, “At present, the water level in Ukai dam is at 318 feet. We had demanded 110 water rotation for 2018-19 against which the irrigation department approved only 80 rotation. The major crop in Surat and South Gujarat is not paddy, but sugarcane, which require triple the amount of water in the fields.”Patel added, “We are not going to bow down to the circular issued by the irrigation department and farmers are firm to go ahead with paddy farming in the upcoming summer season.”An official from irrigation department asking anonymity said, “We are doing our every bit to use the available water in Ukai reservoir for farming and cattle heads. The department will not hesitate in taking stern action against those violating the circular.”

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