Date:19/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/19/stories/2008031959750800.htm

Tamil Nadu

Theni district farmers in a dilemma

K. Raju

Early summer rain damages standing short-term crops and affects productivity

Paddy harvesting has been delayed
It also hits silk cotton, drumstick and mango

THENI: Unexpected early summer rain has not only damaged standing short-term crops, particularly paddy, but also affected productivity of perennial ones such as silk cotton and drumstick.

The rain has brought cheers as well as tears to farmers who have raised paddy in the Cumbum valley, stretching from Gudalur to Palanichettipatti near Theni. (An area of 14,707 acres is under cultivation in the valley)

Farmers in head-reach areas of Periyar dam, particularly part of Gudalur, Cumbum and Uthamapalayam, are worried as they feel it will bring more harm to standing crops, mostly at harvesting stage. Harvesting has commenced in these areas. Showers at this stage would not only dampen the fully-dried grains but also spoil its quality, said farmers.

“Poor quality paddy will attract very poor price.” Paddy harvesting too has been delayed as farmers cannot use machines in a wet field. Rainwater is stagnating on several acres of paddy fields.

But paddy growers in tail-end areas such as Veerapandi and Palanichettipatti have welcomed the sudden showers that have helped to protect standing paddy crops. With the Public Works Department (PWD) officials suspending water release from Periyar dam, farmers in these areas have already appealed to extend release of water for another 10 to 15 days.

“This rain is a boon to us. We can protect the crop till it reaches harvesting stage,” they said. An increase in storage level in Periyar dam too has boosted their hopes.

The early shower has also hit drumstick trees that are in flowering stage in rain-fed areas. Flowers in drumstick plants have withered owing to sharp showers.

Silk cotton is another crop hit by the rain.

Farmers in Bodinaickanur and Varushandu hill, major silk cotton producing centres in the district, are unable to harvest the crop as the rain affects bursting of dry fruits.

“March is the peak harvesting season for silk cotton. Delay in bursting of dry fruit owing to dampness will affect processing,” said growers.

The rain has not spared mango growers also.

Tender mangoes have started withering. Such a loss would ultimately hit mango fruit productivity, bulk purchasers are worried.