The district has received 189.9 mm rainfall in the past five months, which is 41.51 mm high over the normal rainfall level of 148.39 mm. Hence, the farmers have been asked to utilise the prevailing wet condition of the soil and cultivate groundnut and corn.
Chairing the agricultural grievance redress day meeting at the Collectorate here on Friday, District Collector V. Dakshinamoorthy said that the district’s average rainfall was 712.67 mm. “Since we have received more rainfall, farmers should utilise the opportunity and cultivate these crops,” he added.
The Collector said that 50 metric tonne of seeds were already distributed to farmers and adequate fertilizers, pesticides and agricultural gadgets were also available.
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Farmers also said that many Primary Milk Producers’ Cooperative Society refuses to procure milk from the farmers and they were forced to pour milk on road. Farmers demanded action against such societies. Collector said that officials will be asked to inspect those societies and action be taken. He also said that action will be taken against a private sugar company that has failed to pay outstanding amount to the farmers. The Agriculture Department had conducted a competition in which farmers who produced more corn were given cash award. Farmer Kaliyammal from Muthugapatti was given Rs. 10,000 for improved productivity and Duraisamy of Muthugapatti received Rs. 5, 000.