Farmers in Yadgir Threaten Hunger Strike Over Power Cuts

Farmers in Yadgir are planning an indefinite hunger strike starting October 26 outside the Gulbarga Electricity Supply Company office. The Karnataka Rajya Shoshitara Seva Samiti organized this protest to demand seven hours of uninterrupted daily power supply for agricultural pump sets. State president Moulali Anapur stated that farmers face severe hardships due to a combination of deficient rainfall and irregular power supply. Crops like paddy and groundnut are suffering because fields cannot be irrigated properly. Farmers currently receive only about six hours of erratic power daily, threatening crops that are nearing harvest. General secretary Ashok Watkar and other office-bearers attended the press conference announcing the agitation.

Context

Reliable electricity is essential for farmers who rely on groundwater pumps to save their crops during dry spells and low rainfall. Power supply disputes between agricultural unions and state electricity distribution companies are a common challenge in rural India when seasonal water shortages put extra strain on local power grids.