Date:19/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/19/stories/2007101961420600.htm

Tamil Nadu

Onset of monsoon brings cheers

Staff Reporter

RAMANATHAPURAM: Belying a forecast that it will be delayed by a week, the onset of north-east monsoon at the right time has revived the hopes of Ramanathapuram farmers, most of whom depend on rains for cultivation.

They were in dire need of rains to save the paddy crops, which are in the germinating stage. In fact, there are reports that crops in some areas have almost withered owing to almost-nil rain in September, the month for direct sowing.

Now, the rain has come to their rescue on time. Ramanathapuram and its peripheries, which witnessed near nil-rainfall for the past several months, received some good rains on Wednesday and Thursday. Thiruvadanai and Mudukulathur also received a good rainfall. However, R.S. Mangalam and Thirupullani did not receive much rainfall.

“Though the rain is scattered, it will be useful for stimulating the growth of the tender crops, which are in germinating stage. However, the rains have to continue,” said G. Mahalingam, Joint Director, Agriculture, Ramanathapuram district.

S. Sheik Abdullah, Agriculture Officer, Thirupullani, said that rainfall in Thirupullani block was very poor when compared to previous years. Farmers were expecting good rains in the days to come; then only farming activities would become fully active.

Ramanathapuram recorded 85.7 mm in the last 24 hours that ended at 8 am on Thursday.

Mudukulathur recorded 38, Pallamorkulam 30, Thiruvadanai 28.6 and Paramakudi 15 mm.