The Department of Irrigation has urged farmers to use irrigation water carefully and efficiently for cultivation activities following forecasts indicating a possible El Niño climate pattern in the coming months.
Director of the Water Management Unit at the Department of Irrigation, P.S.D. Herath, stated that current reservoir storage levels remain sufficient to meet irrigation requirements during the ongoing Yala cultivation season.
However, he warned that the upcoming Maha season could face challenges if predicted El Niño conditions develop as forecast.
According to Herath, changing weather patterns associated with El Niño may affect rainfall distribution and water availability, making efficient water management increasingly important.
The Department has therefore requested farmers to use irrigation water sparingly and adopt proper water management practices to ensure adequate supplies for future cultivation seasons.
Authorities continue to closely monitor weather forecasts and reservoir levels as concerns grow over the possible impact of prolonged dry conditions on agriculture and water resources.
