Kuruvai cultivation to be taken up on 7,500 acres

Kuruvai paddy cultivation is expected to be taken up on 7,500 acres of land in filter point areas of the district this year with farmers being supported under the special package announced by the State government.

The normal kuruvai area is 16,000 acres in the district. But given the poor storage in the Mettur reservoir and delay in release of water in the Cauvery, kuruvai paddy could be raised in only the filter point areas in the district.

The Agriculture Department is gearing up to implement the special kuruvai package announced by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to help farmers raise the crop. The package would be implemented in filter point areas in Lalgudi, Andhanallur, Musiri and Manachanallur, areas.

Apart from three-phase power supply for 12 hours a day, the package envisages providing Rs. 315 an acre to farmers for purchase of bio fertilizers and micro nutrients. The amount would be deposited in the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

This apart, the Agricultural Engineering Department would carry out free transplantation of nurseries using transplanters in about 1,500 acres in the district.