Target for kuruvai paddy set at 8,500 acres in Tiruchi

About 8,500 acres of land is expected to be covered under paddy during the kuruvai season in Tiruchi district this year with farmers supported under the special package announced by the State government.

Given the poor storage in the Mettur reservoir, 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 government has allocated Rs. 88.55 lakh for Tiruchi district for implementing the special package in delta districts.

Apart from three-phase power supply for 12 hours a day, the package envisages distribution of micronutrients, pipes, and other inputs free of cost or at subsidy to farmers in filter point areas.

Farmers would be extended backend subsidy of Rs. 4,000 an acre for mechanised transplantation and preparation of mat nurseries. The amount would be directly credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries. The subsidy would be extended for about 1,500 acres in the district.

Farmers in about 1,500 acres with alkaline and saline fields would be given five kg micro nutrients each estimated at Rs. 170 free of cost. Besides, farmers with such fields would be provided 10 kg zinc sulphate each free to cover an area of about 4,000 acres.

Besides, 50 units of HDPE pipes to irrigate the fields would be provided with full subsidy to farmers in the district, Collector K.S. Palanisamy said after holding a review meeting of officials to discuss the implementation of the package here on Saturday.

Joint Director of Agriculture R. Chandrasekaran participated.

Source : The Hindu