Gujarat Farmers Face Irrigation Water Cut As Government Reserves SAUNI Reservoirs For Drinking Water

Farmers in Saurashtra and Kutch face fresh uncertainty over their winter crops after the Gujarat government issued written orders stopping irrigation water supplies from reservoirs linked to the Saurashtra Narmada Avtaran Irrigation (SAUNI) scheme, citing concerns over drinking water availability in the coming summer.

The decision affects irrigation supplies through main canals in Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Botad, Bhavnagar and Rajkot districts. It comes as farmers have begun sowing winter crops after investing in seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs, raising fears of crop losses and mounting debt if alternative water arrangements are not made.

SAUNI Reservoir Water Reserved For Drinking Needs

With water levels falling in several dams across Saurashtra and other parts of Gujarat following a weak monsoon, the state is prioritising drinking water supplies for the coming months.

Water rationing has already begun in some cities, while concerns are growing over the availability of drinking water during the next summer. Against this backdrop, the government has decided to reserve water stored in reservoirs connected to the SAUNI scheme rather than release it for irrigation.

Written orders have reportedly been issued directing that irrigation water should not be supplied from the connected reservoirs and dams. The decision marks a change from earlier plans to use reservoir storage to support agricultural irrigation.

Five Districts Affected By Canal Water Suspension

The suspension of irrigation water through main canals affects farmers in:

• Devbhumi Dwarka
• Jamnagar
• Botad
• Bhavnagar
• Rajkot

The move has triggered resentment among farmers, who say the timing could threaten crops already sown for the winter season.

Farmers Fear Crop Losses And Rising Debt

Farmers in the affected regions have raised concerns about the financial consequences of the decision. Many have already spent money on costly seeds, fertilisers and other inputs in preparation for winter cultivation.

Without irrigation water at a crucial stage of the crop cycle, farmers fear their investments could go to waste. The suspension also comes amid complaints about irregular electricity supply and frequent power cuts in rural areas, which have added to the challenges of agricultural work.

Farmers argue that a failure to arrange alternative water supplies could leave them facing significant losses and debt.

Weak Monsoon Adds To Gujarat’s Water Concerns

The weak monsoon has put pressure on reservoir storage across Saurashtra and other parts of Gujarat. With drinking water demand expected to rise during the summer, the government faces the challenge of balancing domestic requirements with agricultural needs.

For farmers who have already begun sowing winter crops, the immediate concern is whether irrigation supplies will resume or alternative arrangements will be made in time to prevent crop damage.