How Have Heavy Rains Impacted Over 14,000 Acres of Paddy in TN Delta Districts?
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Synopsis
Heavy rains have wreaked havoc on over 14,000 acres of paddy in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Delta, causing significant crop damage. Farmers are facing losses as procurement delays worsen the situation. Immediate government intervention is crucial.
Key Takeaways
- Over **14,000 acres** of paddy crops affected by rains.
- Key districts include **Thanjavur, Tiruvarur**, and **Nagapattinam**.
- Delays in procurement leading to heap storage issues.
- Farmers are demanding urgent government support.
- Comprehensive assessments underway to evaluate crop loss.
Chennai, Nov 11 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Agriculture Department has reported that more than 14,000 acres of ready-to-harvest paddy crops in the Cauvery Delta region have been significantly impacted by persistent rainfall over the past week.
The districts affected include Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam, which are key rice-producing areas in the state.
Official statistics reveal that approximately 6.5 lakh acres were cultivated with short-term paddy this year during the Kuruvai season. However, this bumper production has inadvertently led to an issue of excess rice supply combined with delays in storage by the Food Department.
Farmers have expressed frustration over the slow operation of procurement centres, which have not been efficient in collecting and storing harvested paddy, resulting in mountains of paddy bags accumulating outside these centres. With the northeast monsoon arriving, these exposed heaps have absorbed rainwater, leading to sprouting and rotting of the grains.
“We have toiled throughout the season, but the slowdown in procurement has left us in despair. Now, the harvested paddy is worthless,” lamented a farmer from Thanjavur.
Officials have indicated that both late-sown Kuruvai crops and early Samba crops have also faced damage due to waterlogging.
“Numerous fields ready for harvest have become submerged, leading to decay in many crops,” an agriculture official stated.
In response, the Agriculture Department has launched a detailed survey to evaluate the extent of crop losses in each delta district.
Preliminary evaluations suggest that around 14,000 acres of paddy fields are either fully under water or partially damaged, with estimates likely to increase as assessments continue.
Farmers’ organizations have urged the state government to provide immediate compensation and expedite insurance claims, emphasizing that recurring monsoon damages and procurement delays are driving many small farmers into debt.
As the northeast monsoon strengthens, officials have been instructed to oversee field drainage and accelerate grain procurement to avert further losses in Tamil Nadu’s critical rice-producing region.
Point of View
The situation in Tamil Nadu's rice belt highlights the urgent need for effective disaster management and timely government response to mitigate the impact of natural calamities on farmers. The recurring issues of procurement delays and crop damage call for a comprehensive strategy to support our agricultural community and ensure food security.
NationPress
11/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What regions are affected by the heavy rains?
The affected regions include **Thanjavur, Tiruvarur**, and **Nagapattinam** in the **Cauvery Delta**.
How many acres of paddy crops are damaged?
Over **14,000 acres** of ready-to-harvest paddy crops have been reported as damaged.
What are the farmers experiencing due to the rains?
Farmers are facing significant losses due to stagnant paddy at procurement centres, which are now soaked due to the rains.
What measures are being taken by the Agriculture Department?
The Agriculture Department has begun a comprehensive survey to assess the extent of the crop loss in each delta district.
What do farmers want from the government?
Farmers are urging the state government to provide immediate compensation and expedite insurance settlements.
