Farmers complain of irrigation water shortage

TIRINKOT (Pajhwok): Farmers and orchard owners in the Dehrawood district of central Uruzgan province complain of a water shortage, fearing their crops could go dry.

Tens of growers from the district reached the Governor’s House in Tirinkot to register their complaint.

Karimullah, resident of Zargali areas, said two big rivers flowed into Dehrawood district. However, growers still do not have enough irrigation.

People living near the river have started using its water through pumps to irrigate their land and this practice caused a shortage of water to them.

The growers claimed their crops were on the verge of being parched due to this practice, a prolonged drought and other natural disasters.

Mohammad Khan, hailing from Joae Naw area, told Pajhwok Afghan News as a result of the ongoing water crisis, they were compelled to dig up deep wells to irrigate their farms.

They asked the officials concerned to ensure the provision of water they deserved and stop individuals from using river water illegally.

Mullah Abdul Wakeel Taqi, head of the Uruzan Rivers Affairs Department, said after a meeting between the governor and protesters it was agreed that in the coming two weeks all illegal water pumps would be removed.

He said after two weeks anybody violating the orders and continuing to irrigate farms with river water illegally would be dealt according to the law.

nh/mud