Contrary to the general perception that paddy crops in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam were spared of devastation in the cyclone Gaja, it has come to light at least 30% of the crops could be impacted.
“Heavy wind followed by copious rain has affected the tip of the paddy. We have cultivated CR 1009-sub a long duration crop. The leaves are turning yellow and withering away,” said S. Ranganathan, general secretary, Cauvery Delta Farmers Association.
Mr. Ranganathan, who met Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami in Manali in Nagapattinam district and visited the paddy fields along with Agriculture Department officials, said CO-51, a quite popular variety, also bore the brunt of the cyclone.
“The paddy is in booting stage. The flowering and fruiting will begin after this. The officials felt that the impact will stunt the growth of the paddy and the yield will be reduced,” he told The Hindu , adding that farmers had already made a representation to the Chief Minister seeking assistance.
Mr. Ranganathan said he had sprayed 19 soluble fertilisers along with Zinc Sulphate as advised by the officials of the Agriculture Department to contain the damage. “The cost is not much and other farmers can also adopt the method,” he said.
Agriculture Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi agreed that the yield of paddy would be reduced because of the cyclone.
“Farmers whose crop suffered 33% of damage are eligible for a compensation of ₹13,000 per hectare. Moreover, the number of farmers who had paid the premium for crop insurance is very high compared to last year. Almost 90% of them have paid it and the government is likely to extend the date for premium,” he said.
He said farmers are also eligible for compensation under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme) and the cyclone-hit area would get ₹600 crore.
