Hyderabad: Farmers in Suryapet district are seeking more reliable electricity for irrigation after repeated power disruptions and low voltage reportedly affected agricultural operations in Palakaveedu mandal. The protest highlights the growing dependence on electricity-powered borewells as farmers cope with inadequate rainfall and rising pressure on local water resources.
Farmers gathered at a 33/11 kV electricity substation in Palakaveedu to raise concerns over interruptions in agricultural power supply. They said irregular electricity was making it difficult to operate irrigation pumps when water was needed, particularly in fields dependent on groundwater. Electricity officials maintained that agricultural supply was being provided between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. However, farmers disputed the claim, saying interruptions continued during the scheduled supply period. The dispute comes at a difficult point in the agricultural season. With rainfall reported to be insufficient in parts of the region, borewells have become an important source of irrigation for farmers. Reliable electricity is therefore closely linked to their ability to access groundwater and protect standing crops.
Farmers have also raised concerns about voltage fluctuations. Low voltage can affect irrigation pump motors and other electrical equipment, potentially increasing repair and replacement costs for agricultural households. For smaller farmers, repeated equipment failures can add another financial burden during a season already affected by uncertain water availability. The issue also exposes the connection between electricity and groundwater sustainability. Greater reliance on borewells can provide short-term protection against rainfall shortages, but prolonged groundwater extraction without adequate recharge can put local aquifers under additional stress. Efficient irrigation and improved water conservation therefore remain important alongside dependable electricity. A more transparent system for communicating agricultural power schedules and recording outages could help reduce friction between farmers and electricity authorities. Monitoring voltage quality, rather than measuring supply only by the number of hours available, would also provide a clearer picture of whether irrigation infrastructure is receiving usable power.
Farmers have warned of further protests if their concerns are not addressed. For the state, resolving the dispute will require balancing dependable farm electricity with responsible groundwater management. As rainfall becomes increasingly unpredictable, rural resilience will depend on more than extending electricity supply hours. Reliable power, efficient irrigation systems, groundwater recharge and better local water planning will need to work together to protect agricultural livelihoods without intensifying pressure on scarce water resources.
