Thanks to the pre-monsoon showers, farmers of the district have started early sowing of paddy seeds.
The farmers except those coming under the Peria Kanmoi ayacuts in and around Ramanathapuram totally depend upon rainfed cultivation from sowing to harvest. They generally start early sowing in the second or third week of September utilising the moderate rainfall received in the southwest monsoon (June to September) period.
Unlike in the previous years, which recorded less rainfall during the southwest monsoon, the district has received more rain than average in the southwest monsoon period. As against the normal rainfall of 135.3 mm, the district has so far received around 180 mm. The farmers, who were enthusiastic over the rainfall, have intensified the direct sowing.
While farmers of Paramakudi, Mudukulathur, Thiruvadanai and R.S. Mangalam in general expressed happiness over the rainfall, there are farmers, who are dismayed over the poor rain in a few areas, including Chathirakudi and Ramanathapuram.
“The rain is poor in and around Chathirakudi during the last three months. However, we have no other option except to start early sowing,” says M. Krishnamoorthy of Chathirakudi.
Direct sowing has been completed on as many as 500 acres in and around Chathirakudi.
N. Sathiamoorthy, Joint Director of Agriculture, told The Hindu that he had received reports that direct sowing had been intensified during the last one week. Direct sowing had been completed in more than 50 percent of the areas. The pre-monsoon sowing had gained momentum in almost all regions.
He added that a target was fixed to bring 1.30 lakh hectares under the paddy cultivation this year. All out efforts were being made to achieve this target. Since the prevailing condition was perfect, there would not be any problem in completing the target.
Under the Irrigation Agriculture Modernisation and Water bodies Management (IAMWARM) scheme, 81 hectares had been brought under the seed drill sowing method for demonstrating the method to the farmers. It was undertaken in Paramakudi, Kamudhi, Bogalur and Mudukulathur blocks.
S. Rajendran, Deputy Director of Agriculture, said a programme had been chalked out for the distribution of certified seeds to the farmers under the National Food Security Mission. Steps were taken to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fertilizers to the farmers.
