Rodent menace has been posing a major problem to ‘samba’ paddy growers in various parts of the district. The farmers have been busy in setting up the popular rat trap equipments, popularly known as ‘Thanjavur kitty’ in the paddy fields.
Farmers said that the crop has been growing well in the past three months with the timely discharge of waters from the Mettur reservoir.
“However, the rodent menace has been a great nuisance to us,” says M. Muruganandam, a farmer of Koyyapathoppu in Andhanallur block who had raised ‘Andhra Ponni’ on about 10 acres said that the menace had come at a time when the crop was growing with boot leaf emergent. He said that a number of farmers in and around engaged the services of skilled persons who not only set up traps in the fields but also clear the dead rats the next day.
This is the crucial time when the crop needs additional protection. K. Peraman, another farmer of Allithurai, said he had cultivated paddy on three acres but the rats had caused extensive damage.
