CIREBON, West Java (The Jakarta Post) : Police in Cirebon will be deployed to safeguard irrigation networks there to prevent disputes over scarce water supplies badly needed for rice planting during the dry season.
Quarrels among farmers have been common amid their efforts to secure water during the dry season for rice field irrigation networks.
Rice fields in a number of areas in Cirebon and Indramayu have already been affected by the dry season.
"We fear the drought will spread if there is no rainfall or an alternative water source," Asikin Kusnadi of the Cirebon Agriculture and Plantation Office said.
Asikin said water to the drought-affected areas in Cirebon is taken from the nearby Karet Kumpulkuista dam. "Unfortunately, it is difficult to channel water to the rice fields due to the falling water flow. In such conditions, tensions between farmers can be easily sparked in their efforts to control irrigation gates," he said.
Meanwhile, water shortages in Indramayu have been caused predominantly by the reduced water flow from Rentang dam. "Most farmers have found difficulties in getting water for their rice planting," said Kroya district head Suparto.
Chief of Cirebon Police, Sr. Comr. Bambang Puji Raharjo, said he ordered his officers to safeguard the conflict-prone irrigation gates around the clock.
The most sever discord over scarce water supplies took place July 9 last year when a mass brawl among farmers erupted in Sukgumiwang district, Indramayu. -- JP
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