Kuruvai prep on in Tiruchy, farmers say not enough seeds available in govt shops

During a review meeting at Kallanai (Grand Anaicut) on Sunday, Chief Minister M K Stalin instructed district collectors of Cauvery delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruchy and Pudukkottai to ensure the availability of agriculture inputs including seeds, fertilizers for Kuruvai and samba paddy cultivation.

- D Vincent Arokiaraj @Tiruchy

DURING a review meeting at Kallanai (Grand Anaicut) on Sunday, Chief Minister M K Stalin instructed district collectors of Cauvery delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruchy and Pudukkottai to ensure the availability of agriculture inputs including seeds, fertilizers for Kuruvai and samba paddy cultivation.

But farmers in Tiruchy say there is a shortage of seed supply and allege that they remain heavily dependent on private agencies for seeds, with the agriculture department supplying only around 30% of the district's total requirement.

According to official sources, while approximately 450 to 500 tonnes of certified paddy seeds are distributed annually by the agriculture department, it still falls short of meeting the demand for the current target area of 37,000 to 40,000 acres.