Porayar, August 26: Tamil Nadu Minister for Agriculture Veerapandi S Arumugam has said the shortfall in Kuruvai production in Nagai district has led to a loss of Rs 41.74 crore.
Addressing an awareness programme for effective cultivation during the samba season near Nagapattinam yesterday, he said Kuruvai crops were raised in 28,000 ha land in the district this year as against the usual 35,000 ha. “This has led to a shortfall in paddy production by nearly 40,000 tonnes. If we convert it to money value, its Rs 41.74 crore,” he added.
Stating that the government was keen on ensuring samba cultivation in larger area, the Minister urged the farmers to commence cultivation by September first week, instead of usual practice of September third week. “This can safeguard the standing crops during November-December even in the case of heavy rains,” he pointed out.
He said the government had fixed food grain production target of the state at 110.50 lakh tonnes for the year 2009-10 and called upon the farmers to follow the best practices to reap a good harvest.
—Agencies