Trichy and the surrounding delta districts experienced only moderate rainfall on Monday. However, this weather has sparked significant concern among local farmers. They cultivate samba and thaladi paddy varieties, and their crops are currently at critical ripening and mature stages. Many plants have already started to lodge, meaning they are leaning or falling over.
Rainfall Figures Across the Delta
The average rainfall recorded from Sunday morning to Monday was not exceptionally high. Nagapattinam received 1.3 cm, Mayiladuthurai saw 0.6 cm, and Tiruvarur got 0.2 cm. Trichy itself had 0.07 cm, while Thanjavur recorded 0.03 cm. Despite these modest numbers, the rain intensified progressively throughout Monday, raising alarms.
Crop Stages and Immediate Threats
In the delta region, the samba paddy crops are approximately 100 days old. They are approaching full maturity, with harvest expected in just two to three weeks. The thaladi crops have completed three months of growth. They are currently in the milk and dough stages, with harvesting likely in about four weeks.
Instances of crop lodging have already emerged across these delta districts as the rain grew heavier. Farmers express deep worry that continued heavy rainfall could severely harm their yields, leading to financial losses.
Farmers Call for Official Support
Swamimalai Vimalanathan, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers Protection Association, voiced a key demand. He stated it is essential for officials from the Indian Meteorological Department to join procurement policy meetings. Their presence could provide better guidance to farmers on timing the harvest effectively.
The state agriculture department has issued recommendations. They advise farmers to take prompt action to reduce losses from waterlogging. Implementing effective drainage systems in the fields is crucial to mitigate damage.
Anxiety Over Grain Moisture
Farmers hold another major concern. They fear the rain might reintroduce unwanted moisture into the grains right at harvest time. This could affect the quality and marketability of their produce.
Vimalanathan added a further request. He urged the state government to immediately push for a relaxation in moisture content limits during the official procurement process. Such a move would help farmers salvage their crops under these challenging wet conditions.
