Farmers of the district have appealed to the government to declare Ariyalur district as drought-hit.
Speaking at the monthly farmers’ grievances day meeting at the collectorate here on Friday, Viswanathan of Thamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam said that 18 lakes in Senthurai block have dried up. Farmers have not taken up cultivation this year due to the prevailing drought-like condition.
E.Saravanavelraj, District Collector, said that 410 tonnes of urea, 636 tonnes of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP), 652 tonnes of potash, and 964 tonnes of complex fertilizers are available with Primary Agriculture Co-operative Credit Societies (PACCS) and private companies.
He asked the farmers in Tirumanur and Tha.Pazhur blocks to take up rice fallow pulses in fields where samba harvest has been completed.
Gingeley sowing could be taken up by farmers, officials said.