CHENNAI: Authorities of the Tamil Nadu Agriculture department have set a target of 110 lakh tonne food production for 2018-19 even as farming activities gather momentum with an excess summer spell and better southwest monsoon in several parts of the State.
Despite feeling the heat due to an imbalanced distribution of rainfall in the previous year resulting in the withering of crops, the authorities managed to give a leg up to production activities registering another record production crossing the 100-lakh tonnes in 2017-18. With the morale getting a boost and the spirits on a high note, the department is now straining every nerve to record yet another feat in agricultural production.
“We have programmed to cover the area of 47.65 lakh hectares to achieve foodgrain production target of 110 lakh tonnes during the current year. We are making strenuous efforts to cover the targeted area,” a top officer told Express.
Excess rainfall in the summer from April to May and good spell since the onset of southwest monsoon have been encouraging the farmers to take up crop cultivation.
The officer said sowing activities were being taken up intensively across the State and a total of 1.965 lakh hectares had been covered so far against the kharif programme of 19.907 lakh hectares.
Since the opening of the Mettur dam was delayed due to unavailability of adequate storage, the Agriculture Department is encouraging farmers to take up paddy cultivation by utilising the available groundwater during the kuruvai season in the Cauvery delta region as the activities move on a snail’s pace.
“The rice producers are encouraged to take up paddy cultivation by utilising the available groundwater. The kuruvai package of `115 crores announced by the Chief Minister will help the farmers go for producing the staple food,” the officer stated.
A huge inflow into the dams in the neighbouring Karnataka and discharge of water in the Cauvery river have also raised hopes of the farmers.
Highlights
12,600 hectare: Area of groundnut and millets farming in western districts
47.65 lakh hectare: Area coverage aimed for food grains
1.965 lakh hectare: Area covered so far
K115 crore Kuruvai package for Delta region