Will the IMD Forecast for an Early Monsoon Enhance Kuruvai Prospects in TN's Cauvery Delta?
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Synopsis
The upcoming release of water from the Mettur dam and an early monsoon forecast by the IMD have sparked excitement among farmers in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta region, leading to increased expectations for kuruvai paddy cultivation this year. Will this year’s efforts yield a bountiful harvest?
Key Takeaways
- Water Release: Scheduled for June 12 from the Mettur dam.
- Monsoon Forecast: IMD predicts an early southwest monsoon.
- Increased Acreage: Farmers expect higher kuruvai paddy cultivation.
- Pre-planting Preparations: Many farmers have started preparing fields early.
- Seed Availability: Short-term paddy varieties are being stocked for farmers.
Chennai, May 11 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu government's announcement to release water from the Mettur dam on the traditional date of June 12, alongside the India Meteorological Department (IMD) prediction of an early southwest monsoon, has significantly heightened optimism for a notable rise in kuruvai paddy cultivation within the Cauvery delta region this year. Farmers and agricultural specialists are hopeful that the area dedicated to cultivation will exceed last year’s numbers.
Numerous farmers have already commenced field preparations, opting to forgo the second round of crops like black gram and sesame to concentrate on kuruvai paddy.
Water Resources Minister Durai Murugan confirmed in response to a calling attention motion in the Assembly on April 25 that water would be released from the Mettur dam on June 12 to assist irrigation throughout the delta districts.
The current water level in the Mettur reservoir supports this initiative. As of Saturday evening, the reservoir was at 108.30 feet with a storage capacity of 76 TMC, showing a marked improvement compared to last year’s level of 51.81 feet (19 TMC) on the same date. In 2024, lower water levels caused a 47-day delay in the dam's opening, with water only being released on July 28, which severely impacted farmers, particularly in the tail-end areas like Nagapattinam, who could not engage in kuruvai cultivation.
“With timely water release and the India Meteorological Department predicting favorable rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas, we anticipate a substantial expansion in the kuruvai cultivation area this year,” stated P. Kalaivanan from the Tamil Nadu Senior Agro Technologists Forum.
Farmer Saravanan Rajan from Orathanadu expressed similar sentiments, stating, “Farmers are preparing their fields early this year. Many have opted out of second-season crops to prioritize kuruvai.”
He also urged the government to guarantee a sufficient supply of short-term paddy varieties and ensure smooth access to crop loans.
Officials from the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department confirmed that kuruvai acreage is expected to increase. Seeds of short-term paddy varieties, such as ADT-53, Co-51, ASD-16, TPS-5, and Co-55, are being stored at government depots.
Additional procurement will be made according to demand, they noted.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the pivotal role that timely water release and favorable weather conditions play in enhancing agricultural productivity. The government's proactive approach in addressing farmer needs demonstrates a commitment to supporting local agriculture, which is essential for the region's economy.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Mettur dam's water release?
The water release from the Mettur dam is crucial for irrigation in the Cauvery delta, supporting farmers in their paddy cultivation efforts, especially for the kuruvai season.
How does the IMD forecast impact cultivation?
An early monsoon forecast by the IMD increases confidence among farmers, allowing them to prepare their fields and plan for a potentially larger kuruvai crop.
What short-term paddy varieties are being stocked?
The government is stocking seeds of short-term paddy varieties including ADT-53, Co-51, ASD-16, TPS-5, and Co-55 to meet the anticipated demand.
What challenges did farmers face last year?
Last year, a low water level at the Mettur dam delayed water release by 47 days, severely impacting farmers' ability to cultivate kuruvai paddy.
What are farmers' expectations for this year?
Farmers are hopeful for a significant increase in kuruvai acreage due to timely water release and favorable weather conditions predicted by the IMD.
