Battling waterlogging, 2 Muktsar villages set example for others...

Officials of the Agriculture Department at Rattakhera village in Muktsar. Tribune photo

Efforts of the state government bear fruit

• The government first broke the hard crust of the land, affected by waterlogging, using a sub-soiler and then irrigated it with canal water.
• Thereafter, several farmers could grow crops
• The production of milk has improved sharply
• Farmers, who supplied 45 litres of milk per day to Verka, now supply 300 litres

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Rattakhera (Muktsar), March 29

Rattakhera Vadda and Rattakhera Chhota villages in Lambi Assembly segment that were adopted by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in October, last year, are fast developing into model villages. Since early 1990s, most farmers have not been able to grow crops due to waterlogging. Even the bio-drainage technique of growing eucalyptus did not achieve any results here.

However, with the concerted efforts of the state government, this year, a large number of farmers have been able to grow crops. Though the quality of the produce is far from satisfactory, the farmers are elated to see some results.

Moreover, the production of milk has improved sharply with a number of farmers adopting dairy farming. Farmers, who supplied 45 litres of milk per day to Verka, now supply 300 litres.

The government first broke the hard crust of the land, affected by waterlogging, using a sub-soiler and then irrigated it with canal water.

Rambir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (development), Muktsar, said, “At an estimated cost of Rs 23 crore, Rattakhera Vadda and Rattakhera Chhota villages are being developed into model villages. We are trying to make people self-reliant. We are financing projects related to agriculture, dairies, fisheries, piggery, etc. The authorities are also training the youth.”

He said, “Crops have begun growing on nearly 60 per cent of the total land that had become barren.”

A visit to these villages revealed that several works were on in full swing. The authorities were laying drainage lines and concrete streets; installing pipeline to supply canal water; building a community hall, etc.

The government was also exploring the possibility of setting up prawn farms in the villages. Dr Amarjit Singh Nanda, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) and Dr PK Uppal, Animal Husbandry Adviser to state government, visited the village on Wednesday to review the ongoing works. The Chief Minister has also been reviewing the work.

Moreover, the district administration was taking steps to provide jobs to women. Eighteen per cent of the boys and 15 per cent girls in the village are unmarried since families here are in high debt.

Elated over the efforts of the state government, Karaj Singh, sarpanch of Rattakhera Vadda village, said, “Our barren land has begun improving. If the officials concerned continue their work for the next few years, we hope to successfully tackle waterlogging.” Karaj, however, said that the existing sub-surface drainage system didn’t work properly.