Date:18/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/01/18/stories/2008011851572300.htm

Back Erratic rains hit crops

Madurai, Jan.17

Erratic rainfall this season is reported to have severely affected the cultivation of paddy in Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga districts. The withering crop is said to have dampened the spirits of the farmers this Pongal season, the cost of cultivation even , not being met with. According to the Joint Director of Agriculture, Mr G. Mahalingam, out of 1,25,950 hectares of paddy crops, nearly 96,500 hectares in Ramanthapuram District have been identified as drought-hit and the drought situation has been reported to the Government. Survival chances are there only for 26,700 hectares. The crop cutting experiment in 78 points in 40 villages have shown very poor yield or no yield at all. In Sivaganga district also, withering of crop has been reported around 65,000 hectares. The sources added that the insurance of the crop by the farmers in these two districts is expected to at least partially offset their loss. —

Our Correspondent