Many farmers had switched to rearing cattle, feeding the livestock has become a challenge now.
For the last three seasons, the three acre farm of TS Punniyamoorthy in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district has remained underproductive. "We need Cauvery water. Otherwise we have no option but to hang ourselves," says the 52-year-old desperate farmer.
Voices of despair get louder as we drive to the interiors of Thanjavur. Known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu, it is now turning dry and barren, crippling agricultural livelihood.
11 lakh acres in the delta districts depend on Cauvery water for irrigation. The 15,000 cusecs water being released by neighbouring Karnataka following a Supreme Court order would not be enough, they say.
"This is our livelihood and now cattle graze on our fields. How do we eat? How do we educate our children?" asks another farmer VS Rajangam.
Farmers here have already lost the Kuruvai crop this year and now they would lose the Samba crop as well they say if Karnataka does not release Tamil Nadu's remaining share of around 40 Tmc feet water.
OP Sivanantham, an agriculturalist, says, "We used to have three crops in a year. Now even one crop has become uncertain."
Consecutive crop losses and lack of income have trapped farmers in debt from private money lenders. At Vanarapettai village, farmer Ramar, who has a debt of Rs 15 lakh, says, "My loan began with one lakh and it kept increasing. I can't repay without selling an acre or two."
The Cauvery Tribunal has ruled that Tamil Nadu is entitled for its share of Cauvery water even during deficit monsoon, but neighbouring Karnataka often wouldn't part with it, citing drinking water requirements. Their lifeline, river Cauvery, is bone dry most part of the year.
Assai Thambi, Secretary of Delta Farmers Protection Association, says "Both states have rights over the river. Karnataka should equally share waters with us."
The ground water has depleted. Though many had switched to rearing cattle, feeding the livestock has become a challenge now.
While for Karnataka sharing water with Tamil Nadu is not a priority during distress season, Tamil Nadu farmers are worried that they may be overlooking yet another bleak season.