Are TN Farmers Ready for Kurivai Paddy Cultivation with Promising Monsoon Ahead?

Chennai, May 15 (NationPress) With the India Meteorological Department predicting an early arrival of the southwest monsoon, farmers throughout Tamil Nadu have initiated their preparations for the Kuruvai paddy cultivation season.

The encouraging water levels at the Mettur Dam, coupled with occasional summer rains in the catchment regions, have prompted farmers in the Delta districts to start their fieldwork earlier.

In preparation for the forthcoming season, the Tamil Nadu Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department has mobilized its resources.

Officials have begun accumulating seeds of short-duration paddy varieties and are gearing up for extensive distribution to fulfill the anticipated demand.

It is noteworthy that in 2024, Tamil Nadu reached a remarkable achievement in Kuruvai paddy cultivation, covering an area of approximately 5.599 lakh acres (around 2.27 lakh hectares) — the highest in nearly five decades.

This record-breaking acreage was made possible largely due to the timely release of water from the Mettur Dam on June 12, the traditional date for commencing Kuruvai cultivation, along with the early onset of the southwest monsoon that ensured sufficient water supply.

The Delta region, recognized as the epicenter of Kuruvai cultivation, significantly contributed to last year’s success with the following acreages: Thanjavur at 1.30 lakh acres, Tiruvarur at 92,500 acres, Mayiladuthurai at 90,000 acres, Tiruchy at 16,105 acres, and Nagapattinam at 3,750 acres.

These statistics were additionally bolstered by an increased reliance on groundwater in regions where Cauvery water was either insufficient or delayed.

As they look ahead to the 2025 season, officials are optimistic. As of May 11, 2025, the water level at the Mettur Dam measured 108.30 feet, significantly higher than the same time last year.

The favorable monsoon forecast has raised expectations that the area dedicated to Kuruvai cultivation may exceed the levels of 2024.

Agriculture department officials have confirmed that preparations are underway to provide farmers with seeds of all recommended short-term paddy varieties, including CO 51, CO 55, ASD 16, ASD 21, TPS 5, and ADT 36.

Though traditional varieties such as ADT 36 and ASD 16 do not qualify for government subsidies, they are still favored by farmers for their specific agronomic advantages.

Officials have also indicated that a special package for Kuruvai cultivation is expected to be announced by the government in the near future.

In addition to seed supplies, a significant amount of fertilizers is being stored to assist farmers throughout the season.

Seed distribution will consider farmers’ preferences to ensure they receive the varieties best suited for their local conditions.