Chennai

According to Swamimalai Vimalnathan of the Cauvery river protection committee, the package meant for delta farmers alone included subsidised pesticide, seeds and micronutrients to raise the 90 day kuruvai paddy crop. “With the Cauvery having no water due to poor storage at Mettur dam, this crop is expected to be raised only in 1.06 lakh acres against the normal 3.36 lakh acres,” he said. 

“The crop now being raised is dependent on pump set irrigation alone,” he added. Farmers who opted for short-term summer crops like groundnut, gingelly, black gram and green gram are yet to harvest them. “Harvest is now on and is expected to be completed by the first week of August. Only then will they be go for Kuruvai paddy.” The government provided a similar extension last year for the same reason. This year too, the special package will help farmers only if extended. Also there are many delta farmers who did not opt for summer crop but started Kuruvai paddy cultivation as early as May. “They also should be brought within the ambit of the special package. They should not be discriminated against for starting cultivation early” he ended.

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