After a long absence, seeraga samba makes a comeback in Tiruchy region

Farmers who had stopped cultivating it more than four years ago, due to drought and other factors have decided to take it up again as the region has received a good amount of rain. Farmers claim that they took the decision as the major tank, Jamberi, at Vairichettipalayam has been overflowing due to good rain this year. 

Jamberi was almost dry for the past three years and the waterbody has filled up after a gap of 10 years. Since the variety needs a mild climactic condition and a good amount of water till harvest, farmers are optimistic to take up the cultivation this year. 

Apart from Vairichettipalayam, the variety is also raised in Kottapalayam and Thanganagar. The major reason for the fertility of this region is the water that comes from the hills. There are fountains and a few tanks which are fed by the bigger tank Jamberi. 

They point out that this variety is raised actually in 5,000 acres in the area adjoining Kolli Hills but this year, a few farmers showed less interest and so, only 1,500 acres have been planned. As it is not used for normal food, the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation does not procure this variety. 

This year, Seeraga Samba variety is being sold at Rs 80 a kg. While the new rice is sold at Rs 3,500 a bag (80 kg), old rice is sold around Rs.4, 500 a bag. They also point out that the entire yield from these area is bought by about 60-70 merchants at the local level who hull it locally in about half a dozen units and sell it in markets in Tiruchy, Salem, Tirupur, Coimbatore and Pollachi.