SANGHAR, Aug 28: Hundreds of farmers demonstrated against artificial shortage of irrigation water in various branches and minors of Tando Adam-I sub division on Sunday.

The farmers blocked Jhol-Tando Adam road near Shoro petrol pump and staged a sit-in on the road. They burnt tyres blocking traffic for more than two hours.

Mukhtiar Shoro, Hakim Thahim and Allah Bux Malokani led the protesters.

They said the irrigation officials had created an artificial shortage on pretext of rotation programme in branches and minors Tando Adam-II, Qubo Yagon, Bhair, Moryani Gujhro and Jam Jani.

They said that the irrigation officials had sold water to influential landlords while crops over thousands of acres were irrigated by watercourses and minors. At some places, they alleged, even water for drinking purpose was not available.