What Factors Contributed to the 56% Surge in Kuruvai Paddy Cultivation in Tamil Nadu's Delta Districts?
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Synopsis
The remarkable 56% jump in Kuruvai paddy cultivation in Tamil Nadu's delta districts signals a year of agricultural success, with farmers benefiting from timely water releases and favorable weather conditions. Discover how these factors intertwine to promise a fruitful harvest for thousands of farmers.
Key Takeaways
- 56% increase in Kuruvai paddy cultivation this year.
- Water release from Mettur reservoir plays a critical role.
- Farmers began preparations earlier due to proactive measures.
- Tiruvarur district saw the most significant expansion.
- Favorable weather conditions promise a good harvest.
Chennai, Aug 9 (NationPress) This year, kuruvai paddy cultivation in Tamil Nadu's delta region has seen a remarkable rise, encompassing over 2,33,163 hectares across five districts, marking a significant 56% increase from the previous year's coverage of 1,49,184 hectares.
Officials attribute this impressive growth to the timely release of water from the Mettur reservoir and the early arrival of the southwest monsoon.
Data from the Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department indicates that this increase encompasses the districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruchy.
Among these, Tiruvarur has experienced the most significant expansion, with an additional 37,611 hectares now under cultivation compared to last year.
In the previous year, the sluices of the Mettur dam were opened only on July 28, which delayed preparations for the season. This year, however, the announcement came a full month earlier, allowing farmers ample time to prepare their fields.
On the day of water release, the reservoir's storage was a robust 115 feet (86 TMC). Since then, substantial rainfall in the catchment areas of Karnataka and Kerala has led to significant inflows, allowing the dam to reach its full capacity level of 120 feet (93.47 TMC) on four occasions.
"With a month's advance notice regarding the opening of the Mettur dam, farmers could make early arrangements for kuruvai cultivation," stated Sami Natarajan, State General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Farmers' Association and a farmer from Thanjavur district.
"Many farmers, who traditionally cultivated only samba paddy, have opted to grow kuruvai this year due to the timely water release," Natarajan added.
K.M. Govindaraju, a farmer, highlighted that farmers equipped with energized pump sets began raising nurseries as early as May, which significantly contributed to the increased acreage.
He expressed optimism regarding the crop's success this year, given the favorable storage levels in the Mettur reservoir.
Agricultural officials note that any paddy transplanted or sown by July 31 qualifies as a kuruvai crop.
The substantial increase in cultivated land this year is anticipated to enhance production and provide better returns for thousands of farmers in this fertile delta region.
With guaranteed water availability and favorable weather conditions thus far, the outlook for this season's kuruvai harvest appears bright.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the significant advancements in agriculture that enhance food security and economic stability. The notable increase in Kuruvai paddy cultivation reflects effective resource management and the resilience of farmers in adapting to climatic changes, ensuring a brighter future for the agricultural sector in Tamil Nadu.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kuruvai paddy cultivation?
Kuruvai paddy cultivation refers to the cultivation of a specific variety of rice, known as Kuruvai, primarily grown in the delta regions of Tamil Nadu during the early monsoon season.
Why has Kuruvai cultivation increased this year?
The increase is attributed to timely water releases from the Mettur reservoir and favorable weather conditions, allowing farmers to prepare their fields earlier.
Which districts in Tamil Nadu are involved in Kuruvai cultivation?
The districts involved include Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and Tiruchy.
What was the area cultivated last year?
Last year, Kuruvai paddy was cultivated over 1,49,184 hectares.
How does the water release from the Mettur dam affect farming?
The timely release of water from the Mettur dam is crucial for irrigation, enabling farmers to cultivate their fields effectively and ensuring a successful harvest.
