Thrust will be on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method of paddy cultivation during the Kuruvai season in Thanjavur district this year. Though the normal Kuruvai coverage area is 45,000 hectares, coverage will depend upon the availability of water and opening of Mettur dam. The SRI method of cultivation requires less water and seeds, but the yield will be high.
P. Loganathan, Joint Director of Agriculture, Thanjavur district said that Kuruvai was raised on 43,098 hectares in 2008 as against 43,447 hectares in 2006. These were the two years in the past six or seven years when Kuruvai was raised on maximum area of its normal coverage.
Agriculture department has geared up itself for the Kuruvai this year. Already the department has supplied 205 tonnes of Kuruvai seeds to the farmers. Varieties include ADT 36, ADT 43 and ADT 45. There is a stock of 195 tonnes of Kuruvai paddy seeds with the department. Apart from this, private companies have already distributed 31 tonnes of Kuruvai paddy seeds to farmers. They have a stock of 78 tonnes.
"Entire Kuruvai cultivation can be done under SRI method. Farmers should come forward to do it" Mr. Loganathan said. The department has launched a Kuruvai campaign under which it is creating awareness among farmers about seed treatment.
"Rainfall for the past two days in the district is beneficial for farmers. They can take up summer ploughing", Mr. Loganathan said. “As per the instruction given by the District Collector M.S. Shanmugham, Assistant Agriculture Officers are taking up fixed tours to villages. Every fortnight they have to visit villages”, he explained.
Meanwhile, water level at Mettur dam stood at 73.69 ft on Wednesday. With a good south west monsoon predicted by the weather department, farmers hope that Mettur will get sufficient inflow and there may be every possibility of opening the dam for Kuruvai cultivation on the traditional date of June 12.
