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Key Points

Tamil Nadu is setting an ambitious Kuruvai cultivation target of over five lakh acres in the Cauvery delta region this season. The state's confidence is bolstered by favorable water storage levels at Mettur reservoir and a promising monsoon forecast. Unlike last year's delayed water release, the government plans to open the dam on the scheduled date of June 12. To support farmers, the state will continue its special Kuruvai package with a Rs 58 crore allocation for subsidies and agricultural support.

Key Points: TN Targets 5 Lakh Acres Kuruvai Cultivation with Mettur Waters

  • Kuruvai target increased to over 5 lakh acres in Cauvery delta
  • Mettur dam scheduled to open on June 12 as planned
  • Special farmer package of Rs 58 crore to support cultivation
  • IMD forecasts promising Southwest Monsoon conditions
2 min read

TN sets ambitious Kuruvai cultivation target as Cauvery panel prepares to meet

Tamil Nadu aims to boost Kuruvai paddy cultivation across Cauvery delta, leveraging favorable monsoon and timely water release from Mettur dam.

"The government's renewed confidence stems from comfortable water storage and favorable monsoon forecast - Tamil Nadu Agriculture Department"

Chennai, June 8

With favourable water storage levels in the Mettur reservoir and an optimistic monsoon forecast, the Tamil Nadu government has set an enhanced Kuruvai cultivation target of over five lakh acres in the Cauvery delta region for the ongoing agricultural season.

This marks a significant increase from last year’s achievement of 3.88 lakh acres, which had fallen short by nearly 1.7 lakh acres compared to the 2023–24 season.

The shortfall last year was primarily attributed to the delayed release of irrigation water from the Mettur dam. While the scheduled date for water release was June 12, the release was deferred until July 28, last year, hampering timely paddy transplantation across large areas.

In light of the current improved conditions, the government has announced that the dam will be opened for irrigation on the scheduled date of June 12 this year. Officials and experts believe that this timely release could boost Kuruvai cultivation coverage to as much as 5.6 lakh acres.

The government’s renewed confidence stems from the comfortable water storage at Mettur and the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of a favourable Southwest Monsoon across the Cauvery catchment areas in Karnataka and Kerala.

These developments also coincide with the upcoming meeting of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), scheduled for June 10.

Tamil Nadu’s primary demand remains consistent: that Karnataka adhere strictly to the monthly water release schedule as laid out in the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict of February 2018 and subsequent directives of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

Since the apex court’s ruling fixed Tamil Nadu’s annual share at 177.25 tmcft at Biligundulu, the state has faced a shortfall in water realisation only once -- during the 2023-24 water year. To further incentivise paddy cultivation, the state government will continue its special Kuruvai package for delta farmers, with an allocation of Rs 58 crore. The scheme offers subsidies for mechanised paddy transplantation, certified quality seeds, bio-fertilisers, and micronutrient mixtures, aiming to boost productivity and reduce input costs for farmers.

Experts note that the average Kuruvai coverage over the last five years (2020-21 to 2024-25) has been around 4.77 lakh acres -- a new normal compared to the traditional figure of 3.24 lakh acres.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

K
Karthik R.
Good move by TN govt! But I hope Karnataka cooperates with water release this time. Last year's delay caused so much suffering for our delta farmers. Water sharing should be beyond politics 🙏
P
Priya M.
As someone from Chennai, we know how important Cauvery water is for the entire state. The Rs 58 crore subsidy package is a welcome step. Hope farmers make the most of this opportunity! 🌾
R
Rajesh K.
While targets are good, what about long-term solutions? We need better water management and storage systems. Relying on monsoons and Karnataka's cooperation every year isn't sustainable.
S
Sangeetha V.
My father is a farmer in Thanjavur. Last year was very difficult for us. This news gives hope! But government should ensure all subsidies actually reach small farmers, not just big landowners.
A
Arjun B.
The Cauvery dispute has gone on for too long. Both states must find middle ground. Meanwhile, good that TN is preparing properly this time with the June 12 opening date. Fingers crossed! 🤞
L
Lakshmi S.
Why only paddy? Government should encourage crop diversification in delta regions too. Over-dependence on single crop makes farmers vulnerable to water disputes and price fluctuations.

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