The timely onset of the northeast monsoon has come as a boon for the farmers in the district in general and the researchers in the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University’s Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute in particular.
The TNAU authorities have intensified steps for planting the seedlings to be used as seeds for the “TRY-1” — a medium term variety in about two hectares.
The college was founded in Manikandam block about 25 years ago with an objective of evolving paddy varieties which can be raised in alkaline soil or salt-affected areas.
Manikandam block in the district has the largest area of about 5,000 hectares affected by salt or alkaline nature.
Explaining the impact of rainwater on the alkaline-affected soil, P. Pandiyarajan, Dean of the Institute, said the salt content would be leached because of stagnant rainwater, which facilitated the planting of the seedlings. The rainwater would strengthen the growth of paddy.
It would be mainly utilised as seeds for the farmers – particularly those in the coastal districts such as Nagapattinam.
The per hectare yield was expected to be about seven tonnes, he said.
Mr. Pandiyarajan said that there was a scramble for the TRY-1 seeds by virtue of its high yield in salt-affected soil. The institute had sold out its entire stock of seeds harvested during ‘Pongal’ this year.
S. Radhika, Assistant Professor of Agronomy of the Institute, said the TRY-1 had duration of 135 days and would be ready for harvest around ‘Pongal’ festival next year. The institute had raised TRY-3 variety, which was ideal for preparing idli in restaurants, on an area of about 20 acres, she added.

Source : The Hindu