Bengaluru: With the state reeling under severe drought, govt is considering discouraging water-intensive summer crops in early 2027 to conserve water and contain a likely surge in electricity demand during the summer next year.Traditionally, farmers cultivate short-duration crops after the rabi harvest. However, this year, govt is urging them to reconsider summer cultivation, including in irrigated areas, and is instead spreading awareness on water conservation.The proposed advisory is likely to target water-intensive crops rather than impose a blanket ban on summer cultivation. Perennial crops such as pomegranate and horticultural crops, including vegetables, fruits and flowers, will continue to receive govt support while crops such as paddy and cotton will be discouraged.Govt sources told TOI that energy, agriculture and water resources departments jointly mooted the proposal following the failure of the Southwest monsoon and uncertainty over the ongoing Northeast monsoon.“While the depletion of reservoir storage is the primary concern, record electricity consumption by irrigation pump sets and a falling groundwater table have also necessitated a rethink,” a senior energy department official said. “We cannot afford to put further pressure on already stressed water and energy resources.”The energy department has warned that electricity demand could touch a staggering 22,000 MW, amid concerns over the impact of El Niño. In Sept, demand crossed 20,000 MW for the first time. Govt met the requirement through open-market purchases, averting disruptions to consumers and farmers.“Sept’s record demand was a warning of the challenges ahead,” an official said. “IMD forecasts point to a scorching summer, which will drive up electricity consumption as households depend on air conditioners and cooling appliances. If irrigation pump sets also operate, the combined demand would put enormous pressure on the grid.”The water resources department warned extensive summer cultivation could threaten drinking water supply. Karnataka’s major reservoirs together currently hold 297 tmcft of water, against around 425 tmcft during the corresponding period last year. The available storage must last until the Southwest monsoon in 2027.Agriculture minister PM Narendraswamy said govt and farmers must adapt to the crisis, and while cultivation of crops like paddy and cotton would be discouraged, vegetables and fruits needed for daily consumption would be treated differently.“This is not the time to discuss who is right or wrong,” Narendraswamy said. “Everyone understands the gravity of the situation. Farmers traditionally cultivate two or even three crops a year, but given availability of canal and groundwater, getting through this crisis itself will be a challenge.”
