Kuruvai cultivation uncertain in TN's Madurai as dam storage remains low
Madurai, June 18
With nearly half of June already over and the Kuruvai cultivation season underway, farmers in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district are facing growing uncertainty over taking up paddy cultivation this year due to inadequate water availability in the Vaigai and Mullaiperiyar reservoirs.
Agriculture Department officials have identified around 45,000 acres across the Sholavandan, Vadipatti and Kallandhiri blocks for Kuruvai paddy cultivation during the current season. However, despite the sowing period having commenced earlier this month, farmers are yet to begin cultivation activities on a significant scale owing to concerns over irrigation prospects.
Kuruvai, the short-term paddy crop cultivated between June and September, depends heavily on timely water releases from major reservoirs. Farmers say the current storage levels in the Vaigai and Mullaiperiyar dams are insufficient to provide confidence for initiating cultivation operations.
"Kuruvai cultivation generally begins in June and continues until September. Although nearly three weeks of the season have passed, farmers have not started cultivation because there is no assurance of adequate irrigation water," said farmer leader Kurunji Kumaran.
He noted that many farmers are reluctant to invest in land preparation, seeds and other inputs without clarity on water availability for the entire crop cycle.
The delay has raised concerns among farming communities in the district, as a prolonged wait could shorten the cultivation window and affect overall productivity.
Several farmers are closely monitoring reservoir levels and rainfall patterns before making a final decision on whether to proceed with paddy cultivation this season.
Meanwhile, officials of the Water Resources Department (WRD) said the situation could improve if rainfall continues in the catchment areas feeding the Vaigai dam.
Recent rains have already led to a noticeable increase in inflows into the reservoir. According to WRD data, the water level in the Vaigai dam, which stood at 21.29 feet on June 1, increased to 28.08 feet by June 17 following sustained rainfall in the catchment region.
Officials expressed optimism that continued precipitation over the coming weeks could further raise storage levels and improve prospects for irrigation. However, until reservoir storage reaches levels considered adequate for assured water release, farmers remain cautious.
As the crucial cultivation window narrows, the fate of this year's Kuruvai crop in Madurai will largely depend on the performance of the southwest monsoon and the resulting inflows into the region's key irrigation reservoirs.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who grew up in Madurai but now lives abroad, this is heartbreaking to read. The farmer's life is so uncertain. Hope the Vaigai dam gets enough inflow soon. Government should also explore cloud seeding if monsoon is weak this year.
The article says water level increased from 21 to 28 feet in 16 days due to catchment rains. That's good news but still far from comfortable. Farmers invest everything in seeds and labour, so they're right to be cautious. Let's hope for sustained rains this week. 🤞
This is what happens when we rely solely on monsoon for irrigation. We've neglected building new reservoirs and check dams for decades. Meanwhile, urban areas waste water like anything. Every election politicians promise river linking but nothing happens on ground. 😐
I read that paddy cultivation uses 3,000-5,000 litres of water per kg of grain. In a water-scarce region like Madurai, shouldn't the agriculture department promote drip irrigation and drought-resistant varieties? Kuruvai is traditionally cultivated but we must adapt to climate change. 🌾
My family has farmed in Theni district for generations. I know how stressful this time of year can be. The government should provide some relief package or subsidised crop insurance for farmers who choose to go ahead despite the risk. Otherwise they suffer alone. 😔
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