NE Monsoon brings hope to delta farmers

As forecast by the meteorological department, rain began to lash several districts in central Tamil Nadu, since Monday with Anaikkaranchathram (Kollidam) in Nagapattinam receiving the maximum (89 mm) from Sunday night. 

The lower anicut in Thanjavur district recorded 57 mm rainfall and other districts like Tiruvarur received heavy rainfall. Tiruchy, Pudukkottai, Karur and Perambalur received moderate rainfall. Farmers in the delta region were hopeful that the downpour would recharge the ground water and increase the level of water in the waterbodies. But, all is not well in some places. 

“In areas where farmers encountered problems with germination of seeds, they had gone for sowing for the second time. These places will face problem as rain is expected for another few days,” said Swamimalai Sundara Vimalnathan, a spokesperson for farmers. 

“Crop in 20-30 % area of the district might be affected by this rain and in other areas it would be beneficial,” he said. 

Since there was only moderate rainfall in Kumbakonam and Papanasam, farmers are in need of more water. They are hopeful that the monsoon would favour them this time.  Owing to 39 mm of rainfall in the district, the administration declared leave for schools in the district on Tuesday. The rain left many roads submerged. 

Also, the IMD has alerted that the monsoon would continue to lash in the districts on Tuesday too. Nagapattinam district administration has also declared a holiday for schools on Tuesday.