In Shamsipora, Anantnag district, paddy farmers face a dire situation as the irrigation canals crucial for their cultivation have fallen into disrepair. The once-thriving agricultural community is now filled with anxiety about the future of their livelihood. “Our job during cultivation season is to bring water to our lands by any means necessary. If we don’t stay vigilant, no one else will help us,” says Mohd Ismail Dar, a dedicated farmer from the village. The community’s concerns are compounded by rampant mining and an indifferent administration, which are slowly transforming fertile agricultural lands into barren stretches. The villagers, who once celebrated the cultivation season with enthusiasm and joy, now feel a palpable decline in spirit.
“We used to celebrate the cultivation time with great enthusiasm, but now it feels like the charm and excitement are gone. There may be many reasons, but official apathy is certainly one of them,” laments Shahid Farooq Dar, an aspiring administrative officer from the village.
This video delves into the struggles of Shamsipora’s farmers, highlighting their fight to preserve their agricultural heritage and the urgent need for administrative intervention to restore the essential irrigation canals. Through personal stories and community insights, we explore the broader impact of environmental neglect and advocate for a revitalized focus on sustainable agriculture in the region.
