Depletion of groundwater has been affecting cultivation of azolla in various parts of the district.
A farmer of Melur village near Annavasal , V. Anbazhagan has been toiling hard to harvest azolla in the last four months following a steady depletion in the water table. The farmer has recently drilled four borewells for ensuring irrigation facility for azolla. He had to spend Rs. 4 lakh for drilling additional borewells. He says there has been a growing demand for azolla which can be used as a fodder.
The application of azolla in agricultural fields, particularly paddy, shortly after the onset of monsoon, would prevent the growth of weeds. Azolla could be mixed with flour for preparing dishes such as “idly” or “dosai” making it more delicious.
It could be harvested weekly and fetches Rs. 100 a kg and about 3 kg could be harvested every week.
