Chennai, November 20 (BPNS)

Heavy rains lashing the Delta districts of Tamil Nadu, often referred to as the rice bowl of the state, is likely to cause extensive damage to Samba paddy crops. Samba paddy farmers fears the loss of paddy cultivation in the Delta districts.

The districts of Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam have been receiving heavy rainfall over the past few days, resulting in severe inundation and water stagnation.

On Tuesday, November 19, Sembanarkoil in Mayiladuthurai recorded 68 mm of rainfall, while Mayiladuthurai town received 51 mm. In Tiruvarur district, Nannilam recorded 59 mm of rain, and Needamangalam received 47.7 mm.

Murugesan Perumal, a 52-year-old farmer from Thanjavur, reported that the heavy rains have flooded Samba paddy fields, destroying thousands of acres of crops.

He attributed the inundation primarily to the lack of proper de-silting of irrigation canals. “The Ottai Vaical canal, which functions as both an irrigation channel and a stormwater drain, has not been properly de-silted, leading to extensive damage,” he said.

Farmers revealed that about 500 acres of farmland connected to the Ottai Vaical canal have been submerged due to vegetation overgrowth and accumulated silt.

Krishnaswamy, a farmer from Kumbakonam, expressed frustration, saying, “We have been complaining about the lack of de-silting for a long time.

Now, with the northeast monsoon lashing the region, the inundation has destroyed crops. If the rains continue for a few more days, the entire Samba paddy crop will be wiped out.

Samba paddy is typically cultivated on about 18 lakh acres in Tamil Nadu’s Delta districts. This year’s heavy rains have submerged a significant portion of the crops, raising concerns among farmers.

Farmer association leader M. Pandian said, “The heavy northeast monsoon has caused severe water stagnation in paddy fields. This is due to the poor maintenance of canals. If the inundation continues, the losses will be catastrophic.”

It is worth noting that in 2023-24, there was already a 40% drop in Samba paddy production in the Delta districts due to a deficit in the northeast monsoon. This year (2024-25), despite adequate rainfall, the lack of proper de-silting and drainage can lead to severe crop damage, leaving farmers distressed.