Farmers sceptical after moderate rain

According to data available with the Regional Metrological Department, during the north east monsoon spell from October 1 to November 21, Thanjavur district recorded an average rainfall of 137mm only against the normal of 352mm signifying a 61 per cent shortfall. Similarly, in Tiruvarur district, only 158mm average rainfall was recorded so far against the normal of 427mm, signifying 63 per cent shortfall. In Nagapattinam, the average rainfall was 191mm against the normal of 551 with 65 per cent shortfall. According to estimates, around 10-11 lakh acres have been brought under Samba, Thalady crop in the Delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagappattinam. “Out of the total area covered in the Delta, the crop raised with the support of ground water in around 3 lakh acres are in fairly good condition”, Swamimalai S Vimalanathan said. They are aged anywhere between 55 to 70 days. Though there is hope that this crop could be saved after these moderate rain, the farmers are worried about the fate of the crop transplanted only with the help of canal irrigation and through direct sowing method.