Chennai, Nov 23 (NationPress) In a significant development, over 18,000 farmers from 38 revenue panchayats in the newly designated Srimushnam taluk of Cuddalore district will benefit from Kuruvai and Samba cultivation packages, in addition to all irrigation-related initiatives specific to the Cauvery delta region. This decision stems from a government order issued by the water resources department, formally implementing Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s announcement made during a public event in Cuddalore on July 15. By incorporating this area, the government has broadened the protected agricultural zone, assuring that farmers in these panchayats receive the same support, subsidies, and water allocations typically offered to the core delta districts.

This order signifies a crucial policy decision to fortify agricultural resilience and enhance water security in regions whose cropping patterns and irrigation practices align closely with those of the delta.

According to high-ranking officials, the order encompasses 10,550 hectares of land under the protected zone.

An official from the agriculture department mentioned that this decision would directly benefit 18,250 farmers, many of whom rely solely on canal irrigation and seasonal river flows to maintain Kuruvai and Samba paddy cycles.

In the order, Water Resources Department secretary J. Jayakanthan highlighted that this action followed extensive discussions with domain specialists, senior engineers from the Cauvery technical cell, and the district administration. Their collective evaluation confirmed that the soil characteristics, water availability, and agricultural practices in these panchayats corresponded with those of the larger Cauvery delta, thus validating their formal inclusion.

Officials emphasized that this decision ensures the provision of Cauvery water for the newly included panchayats, especially during critical cultivation periods. Farmers will now qualify for programs aimed at desilting waterways, strengthening canal networks, modernizing irrigation facilities, and enhancing field-level water management.

Additionally, the regular release of water from the Mettur reservoir—which typically starts in the second week of June—will significantly bolster groundwater recharge in the area. This is anticipated to stabilize agricultural activities, lessen reliance on private borewells, and enhance crop productivity during both the Kuruvai and Samba seasons.

The extension of the protected agricultural zone in Srimushnam taluk is regarded as a substantial advantage for farmers seeking long-term water security and institutional backing for sustainable paddy cultivation.