Farmers in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery delta districts are witnessing a decrease in samba paddy yields this season, with a significant portion of the cultivated area already harvested. Adverse weather conditions and water management issues are being blamed for the drop in production compared to the previous year.
In Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts, where a large area was cultivated with paddy, early assessments show a noticeable decline in yields. Some specific regions within these districts, like Mangudi and Mannargudi in Tiruvarur, have reported lower output per acre.
Data from the agriculture department reveals a decrease in average yield per hectare this season compared to the previous year. While certain areas in Thanjavur have maintained stable yields, others have seen a reduction, especially for medium-duration paddy varieties.
Concerns over poor harvests are also evident in Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai districts. Experts attribute the decline in yields to a mix of climatic conditions and infrastructural issues, including delayed water release from dams and inadequate canal maintenance.
The combination of delayed water supply, unseasonal rain, cyclone-related damage, and poor infrastructure maintenance has heightened challenges for paddy cultivation in the delta region. This situation has raised worries about income stability for farmers this year.
