With Mettur reservoir at critically low levels, farm leaders urge the new government to act swiftly on desilting, credit access and alternative crop planning.

As Tamil Nadu’s new government prepares to assume office, farmers across the Cauvery delta are watching the skies and the reservoir gauges with equal anxiety — and they are not reassured by either.

Mettur reservoir, the lifeline of Kuruvai cultivation across the delta, stands below 80 feet this May. Farm leaders say the numbers tell a stark story: the season that feeds hundreds of thousands of families is already in jeopardy before a single seed is sown.

“Water and fertilizer scarcity may happen this year,” warned P.R. Pandian, president of the Coordination Committee of All Farmers Associations.

“Desilting works worth ₹100 crore were tendered before the elections and work has been completed in several places. But the new government must ensure all pending works are completed swiftly, well ahead of Kuruvai. Farmers cannot wait.”

Mr. Pandian said that while the southwest monsoon in May carries some hope, Karnataka’s cooperation in releasing water upstream remains critical. Across 6.5 lakh acres of delta farmland, the Kuruvai season’s continuity hangs in the balance. He also flagged a festering credit crisis — cooperative bank loans pending for five years remain unresolved, leaving farmers without the financial footing to begin the season.

The assessment from Vayalur N. Rajendran, State secretary of the Tamil Manila Congress farmers wing, was grimmer.

“With Mettur this low, river-based irrigation will be possible for barely two lakh acres across the delta this year. For the rest, only motor-based irrigation is the option.”

Rajendran demanded that the government immediately extend subsidies and facilitate fresh loans — insisting that old outstanding debt must not be a barrier to new credit. He also flagged June 12, the conventional date for releasing Mettur water, warning that if the Union government fails to ensure adequate flow, farmers will be forced to approach the courts.

P.S. Masilamani, general secretary of the CPI-affiliated Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, urged the government to move beyond ritual.

“Desilting happens every year, but due boards are not put up, farmer groups are not involved, and the work loses its purpose. Irrigation committees and farmer participation must be ensured so the work is done properly, not merely on paper.”

Mr.Masilamani also urged the government to actively promote alternate crops in areas unlikely to receive Cauvery water this season and demanded technical advisories for farmers to plan accordingly.

“The government must be honest with farmers about what water is available and when. That clarity is the least they deserve,” he said.