The Rice Canal, a non-perennial inland waterway emanating from Sukkur Barrage, irrigates six paddy-growing districts lying on the right side of the River Indus.

However, the tail-end districts on the canal are Mehar and K.N. Shah and talukas of Dadu whose only crop is paddy.

For on-time sowing, there was a need to release water on May 1, but this has been delayed because dredging money was not utilised or distributed properly. As a result, the Rice Canal has remained dry for the last six months.

Rice growers of Dadu appeal to the authorities concerned to have mercy on them and release water in the Rice Canal without further delay.

ZAHID HUSSAIN JATOI Mehar, Dadu