TMC president GK Vasan. File | Photo credit: R. Ragu
The Tamil Nadu government should facilitate farmers to cultivate paddy during the season fall season, providing them with credit assistance, crop insurance, a special package consisting of fertilizers and seeds at a subsidized rate, and electricity supply in three shifts a day to irrigate crops, said Manila Tamil Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. on Wednesday, May 29 Vasan, 2024.
Every year to facilitate farmers in Cauvery delta districts to irrigate short-term paddy crops during the season fall season, the Tamil Nadu government opens the Mettur Dam on June 12, the customary date. However, this year, the chances of the dam opening on the usual date seem unlikely due to lack of adequate water in the reservoir. This situation will likely reduce the scope fall rice cultivation in delta areas, Vasan said in a statement.
Farmers in several parts of the delta districts have started cultivation, hoping to apply groundwater and water from water bodies such as lakes and ponds to irrigate paddy crops using motor pumps. Considering this situation, the state government should ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for at least 18 hours a day and provide loans to farmers through agricultural cooperatives. The Department of Agriculture should also start paying a special package for fall season for farmers without any delays, he added.
