Over 3 lakh acres covered with Kuruvai paddy

The special Kuruvai package was announced by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami in the Assembly recently, for the benefit of farmers.  The Mettur reservoir was opened on July 19 by Mr. Palaniswami to facilitate agricultural operations.

The Kuruvai crop (short duration) paddy has been raised in about 3.074 lakh acres in the delta districts, as announced by the State Government, Agriculture Minister R. Duraikannu.

Minister Duraikannu also reviewed, at the Secretariat here, the scenario post water release from the dam, distribution of quality seeds and related activities. He directed the officials to ensure sufficient stock of the long duration crop varieties (raised from August to January) like C. R.1009, ADT 49, etc., to be distributed to the farmers through all the agricultural extension centers, private seed marketing organizations, in the delta region from August second week.

“As the Mettur dam could not be opened for irrigation on its scheduled date of June 12, the government, which follows the footsteps of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa had announced a special package of Rs 115.67 crore to facilitate the Kuruvai crop cultivation. This has helped to raise the Kuruvai crop on 3.074 lakh acres in the delta districts,” Mr Duraikannu said.

The Minister reviewed the Kuruvai and Samba (long duration) paddy cultivation for this year in the delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Pudukottai, Ariyalur, Tiruchi and Karur, following instruction from the Chief Minister. The fertilizers like DAP, urea and potash required for Samba paddy cultivation should be sufficiently stocked at the primary agricultural cooperative societies, he said.