The State agriculture department has proposed to cover over 3,100 hectares under summer paddy cultivation for achieving the food production target in the district.
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technique is being recommended for this cultivation, as it demands less water for irrigation. Against the usual 1,500 hectares, the department has planned to cover 3,100 hectares in all the blocks except Avudaiyarkovil and Manamelkudi.
The nursery is raised for 14 days and the popular variety is 'BPT 5204'.
“Farmers have a liking for the variety, though other varieties could also be cultivated under the system,” K.M.Shajahan, Joint Director of Agriculture, told The Hindu . The summer cultivation has various unique features, including raised bed nursery technique.
It can be raised as a second crop in Cauvery Mettur Project (CMP) areas and requires only two kg of seeds for one acre of crop. The mechanical transplanting ensures uniform spacing of nine inches – between rows and plants.
