Chennai
The Tamil Nadu government is expected to introduce a special ‘Kuruvai’ package for farmers in the delta districts. This move comes after demands from farmer associations and political parties, as farmers will need to rely on groundwater due to the significantly reduced water levels in the Mettur Dam.
The proposed Kuruvai package includes 45 kg of urea, 50 kg of diammonium phosphate, and 25 kg of potash per acre, all provided free of charge. R. Muthuraman, leader of the Trichy Farmers Movement, stated that the lack of rain in Karnataka has led to the low water levels in the Mettur Dam, forcing farmers to depend on groundwater. He emphasized that an early announcement of the Kuruvai package would give farmers the confidence to start cultivation.
Farmers are also asking for a free and consistent electricity supply for their pump sets and high-quality paddy seeds to improve their crop yield. N. Veerasekaran, state secretary of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), noted that many delta farmers now depend on groundwater due to the delayed opening of the Mettur Dam. He urged the government to provide a comprehensive package, including timely loans, to support the farmers. In 2023, the Kuruvai package supported 6,500 acres of paddy farming. The Tamil Nadu Agricultural Department is expected to expand the cultivation area in the 2024 Kuruvai package.
