Water scarcity in Shidlaghatta triggers migration

Farmers who had put their trust in sericulture and dairy farming now in despair

The lakes of the taluk have become dry. Even the deeply sunk borewell have gone dry. Those farmers who had put their trust in sericulture and dairy farming are now in despair

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Every year during summer there was an increase in the arrivals of silkworm cocoons in the market. But this year there has been a decline. Due to lack water, some farmers are unable to raise any crops and are waiting for the monsoon. Farmers with small holding are working elsewhere.

In some villages farmers are putting all their money on stake for sinking borewells in the hope of finding water, in a taluk where there is already a depletion in the water table.

More than 200 persons who were engaged in sericulture in the villages of Kadirinayakanahalli, Appegowdanahalli, Melur, Mallur, which are known for its sericulture, are now going to work in garment factories.

Earlier there was a shortage of workers in garment factories of Bangalore. However, the
factories now get workers from the neighbouring taluks.

“In my village Hithlahalli, 24 borewells were sunk during the last seven months. Out this only five borewells give water ranging 700 to 1,500 gallon water. A single farmer sunk 13 borewells of which water was available only in two.

In the village 16 persons who were engaged in silkworm cocoon rearing are now working in garment factories in Doddaballapur and Yelahanka. About 40 persons from the village are working as cooks for various wedding caterers”, says Suresh, a farmer from Hithlahalli.

He further says, “Migration from the villages will have an effect on agricultural production. Migration is not a permanent solution. It does not lead to economic and social stability. If migration from is not prevented villages will be deserted. The Government should provide opportunities for economic activity in the villages and a solution for permanent irrigation.

Because of water and power shortage and migration the prices of summer crops have gone up.  An average person cannot afford highly priced vegetables necessary for nutrition. There is an immediate need to improve the condition in the villages.”