Farmers to protest against inadequate power supply

Already under fire for announcing an additional power cut to industries, Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB) has been facing music from the farming community of the state for supplying 'inadequate electricity'.

While imposing the additional power cut on industries, GEB had stated that the decision was taken to cater to the needs of the farming community. This is the second time in three months that the GEB has announced extra power cuts for the industrial sector.

Unsatisfied farmers' organisations have already taken out processions against the GEB at several places of the state.

"The state government making false claims that villages are getting adequate electricity supply. In fact, the farmers are not getting electricity for more than five to six hours a day. Moreover, with so much of fluctuations in the supply, it is almost impossible to operate the pumps and motors," said Bipin Desai, president, Gujarat Khedut Samaj.

The industries bodies in the state think that GEB needs to become effective on the operational front.

P M Rathod, secretary of Central Gujarat Chamber of Commerce, said, "The GEB should work hard on avoiding the power theft and line losses to meet the demand from the industry as well as the agriculture sector. The GEB should adopt the efficient management system to avoid the trouble for the economy of the state."

A group of farmers from the Napad-Vanta village of Anand district presented a memorandum to the district Collector against the GEB.

"The GEB must realise that growing crop in the farms requires the proper irrigation and that requires adequate electricity. Crops, especially cotton and paddy, will be in trouble if the GEB dose not provide quick solution to the power shortage," said Ravji Patel, president, Gujarat Khedut Mandal.

"Farmers will lose the money spent on fertilisers and seeds if the power supply is not regularised," added Patel.

The Khedut Mandal has planned to organise a protest rally in Bardoli village, before August 30.

Despite several attempts, Saurabh Dalal, the state energy minister, could not be reached for comments.