Farmers in Tamil Nadu Delta Shift to Summer Paddy Cultivation as Interim Crop
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Synopsis
Farmers in Tamil Nadu's Delta districts are increasingly turning to summer paddy as a short-term crop, utilizing groundwater from energized borewells, with a focus on short-term varieties to maximize yield.
Key Takeaways
- Farmers in Tamil Nadu's Delta are growing summer paddy.
- Utilizing groundwater from energized borewells.
- Focus on short-term varieties like TPS 5 and ADT 53.
- Reliable electricity supply aids in cultivation.
- Farmers hopeful for rain to boost crop growth.
Chennai, April 5 (NationPress) Farmers in the Delta districts of Tamil Nadu have initiated the cultivation of summer paddy as a temporary interim crop, leveraging groundwater accessed through energized borewells.
Traditionally, the Delta region—which encompasses districts like Thanjavur and is often dubbed the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu—grows paddy during two primary seasons: samba and thaladi.
However, with the present availability of three-phase power supply, numerous farmers have seized the opportunity to cultivate summer paddy.
K. Arul Vinayakan, a farmer from Senthalai village in Thanjavur district, remarked that the reliable power supply provided by the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco) has been crucial.
“As Tangedco guarantees uninterrupted electricity during the ongoing school examination period, farmers like us are also reaping the benefits,” he stated.
Manivarnan M.R., another farmer involved in summer paddy farming, called on the Electricity Department to maintain the continuous power supply until water is released from the Mettur Dam into the River Cauvery.
Leaders of farmer associations reported that this season’s focus is on short-term paddy varieties like TPS 5, ADT 53, CO-31, and ASD 16.
M.C. Veerasamy, a notable farmers’ leader from the Delta area, mentioned that regions like Orathanadu have already started the transplantation of the summer crop. In places such as Kasanadu Thekkur, farmers have also begun deweeding.
Officials from the Agriculture Department highlighted that Thanjavur district alone had samba and kuruvai paddy cultivated over approximately 1.30 lakh hectares. Remarkably, a significant number of farmers have now shifted to summer paddy, relying on groundwater for crop sustenance. Department sources also indicated a potential rise in the acreage of both kuruvai and samba crops compared to the last season. Farmers remain optimistic that forthcoming rains will further enhance their summer paddy cultivation.
