Farmers in Tamil Nadu anxiously await the arrival of rain and the release of water from the Vaigai River for the upcoming Samba season.
Tamil Nadu Farmers Face Challenges During Samba Season
The samba season, a significant rice harvesting period in Tamil Nadu, spans from August to January. This season is crucial for the state's economy and its farmers, particularly in Thanjavur, Madurai, and Ramanathapuram. However, farmers are currently facing significant challenges primarily due to water scarcity and the unpredictability of the Vaigai stream, a vital water source.
The ongoing disputes and reduced releases from upstream reservoirs, notably the Cauvery water dispute, have resulted in insufficient water inflow for paddy transplantation during the samba season. This limits irrigation availability in the delta regions dependent on the Vaigai and Cauvery river systems.
The kuruvai paddy crop has already wilted in parts of the delta districts due to water shortages, causing some farmers to hesitate in beginning samba cultivation, given the continued uncertainty about water availability. The unpredictable nature of the Vaigai Stream, which originates from the Western Ghats, has increased the challenges faced by farmers during the samba season.
The inconsistent water supply has led to crop damage and wilting, while rising operational costs have affected the profitability and ability of farmers to sustain the season's crops. Experts advise careful sowing and transplanting aligned with monsoon patterns to protect crops from heavy rainfall and to optimize the growing season. However, with inconsistent rainfall and water delivery, timing becomes more difficult to manage.
Despite these challenges, some farmers are using a combination of rainwater and canal water where available. There is optimism in delta districts due to recent favourable rainfall and better dam storage, but overall water scarcity linked to upstream river management and natural variability poses ongoing risks for the samba season.
New water-efficient rice varieties, such as DRR Dhan 100, offer some technological hope for alleviating water-related stress in rice cultivation regions of Tamil Nadu. This drought-tolerant variety matures faster, but widespread adoption and impact remain in progress.
Excessive groundwater extraction in various regions has led to a significant decline in water tables, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to rely on wells as a primary water source. The costs associated with field setup, seed purchases, and access to various information sources have also increased over time, adding to the financial burden on farmers.
The samba season's challenges require long-term strategies such as expanding the water supply, implementing realistic preparations, and investing in alternative water sources. The delay in water discharge from the Vaigai Dam can have significant effects on the sowing season and the yield of the harvest. The absence of adequate water during the samba season can drive farmers further into financial strain and the risk of crop failure.
In conclusion, Tamil Nadu samba farmers face difficulties mainly from water scarcity due to upstream water sharing issues and unpredictable stream flows, compounded by climate variability and rising costs, which affect their cropping decisions and yields during the samba season. Recent rains have helped, but long-term resolution depends on water management and adoption of resilient agricultural practices.
- The unpredictable flow of the Vaigai Stream, coupled with upstream water sharing issues, frequently results in insufficient water inflow during the samba season, creating challenges for Tamil Nadu's farmers.
- The inconsistent water supply, coupled with climate variability and rising costs, pose ongoing risks for Tamil Nadu's samba farmers, affecting their cropping decisions and yield potential.
