The Nilgiris: Along with tea plantation, cultivation of vegetables like carrot, beetroot, cabbage, potato and other exotic vegetables are a major source of income for the farmers in the district of Nilgiris.
The Nilgiris: Along with tea plantation, cultivation of vegetables like carrot, beetroot, cabbage, potato and other exotic vegetables are a major source of income for the farmers in the district of Nilgiris.
Over the past two months, severe drought prevailing in the region has brought much grief to the farmers who are unable to meet the demands at the Mettupalayam, Ooty vegetable markets, as well as the demand from neighbouring states like Kerala and Karnataka, where there is a huge demand for Nilgiris vegetables.
Farmers from Ooty, Elkhill, Manjanakorai are the most affected as acres of agricultural land pose a barren look due to acute shortage of water. As summer showers are yet to hit the district, the farmers lament that they would have to look out for other occupations, if the scenario continues.
Large-scale exploitation of groundwater, irrigation and drainage have modified the hydrologic cycle in the region.
The farmers are repeatedly advised to adopt to alternate irrigational methods like micro, sub-surface or sprinkler irrigation to reduce the dependency on monsoons.
Experts also suggest to.promote mulching to reduce evaporation losses and adopt different methods of water management to sustain agriculture, as monsoons are highly unpredictable.