Farmers in the Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu are facing a decline in paddy cultivation due to low water levels in the Mettur dam. They are urging the state government to provide a special relief package and guidance on alternative crops to mitigate their losses. The call for assistance follows a suggestion by Food Minister P. Venkatramanan for farmers to switch to different crops given the water scarcity.
The shift to alternative crops is seen as viable by farmer organizations, but they emphasize the need for financial aid, technical assistance, and a clear cultivation plan for successful transition. The absence of kuruvai cultivation this year is projected to cause an income loss of around ₹1,125 crore in the Delta districts, impacting not only paddy farmers but also the livestock sector due to a shortage of fodder.
Swamimalai Sundara Vimalnathan, from the Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers Protection Association, supports the government’s advice on diversifying crops but stresses the importance of timely guidance for farmers. He suggests a collaborative effort involving agricultural experts, officials, and farmers to identify suitable crops based on water availability and soil conditions. Such consultations aim to reduce crop failure risks and aid informed decision-making.
Additionally, farmer groups are advocating for a comprehensive relief package encompassing input subsidies, quality seeds, fertilizers, and extension services to incentivize farmers to adopt new crops. Many farmers are hesitant to make the switch without assurances on profitability, market access, and government backing. The uncertainty surrounding Cauvery water release and low dam storage levels has disrupted plans for the kuruvai season, underscoring the need for immediate government intervention to safeguard rural livelihoods and sustain agricultural activities amidst the water crisis.
