Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay has emphasized that farmers from both Delta and non-Delta districts should avail the benefits provided under the Kuruvai Special Package Scheme.
According to the government press release, paddy cultivation plays a crucial role in Tamil Nadu's food security and farmers' livelihood. To encourage cultivation during Kuruvai, Kar, and Sornavari seasons in Delta and non-Delta districts, and to increase production and productivity, the government will implement the 2026 Kuruvai Special Package Scheme at an estimated cost of ₹134.83 crore.
On average, paddy is cultivated across 52.72 lakh acres in Tamil Nadu. Of this, 20.65 lakh acres are in Delta districts such as Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and parts of Cuddalore, Tiruchirappalli, and Ariyalur. In Kuruvai season alone, 5.14 lakh acres are cultivated in Delta districts, while non-Delta districts account for 32.07 lakh acres annually, with 5.48 lakh acres during Kuruvai, Kar, and Sornavari seasons.
Traditionally, the Mettur dam is opened on June 12 to facilitate Kuruvai cultivation in Delta districts. However, due to the El Niño phenomenon, rainfall is expected to be less than 90%, and water inflow into Mettur remains low. As of now, the water level stands at 79.56 feet (41.52 TMC), making dam opening unlikely. Consequently, only 3.55 lakh acres can be cultivated in Delta districts using filter point wells, while non-Delta districts face irregular rainfall.
To safeguard farmers' livelihoods, the government has allocated ₹77.50 crore for Kuruvai cultivation in Delta districts through filter points, and ₹57.33 crore for Kuruvai, Kar, and Sornavari cultivation in non-Delta districts. In total, ₹134.83 crore will be spent under the scheme.
The package includes incentives for machine transplanting, direct sowing, bio-fertilizers, micronutrient mixtures, seed subsidies, and certified seed production of newly released paddy varieties. The scheme aims to promote mechanization, improve water management, expand cultivation area, increase productivity, and strengthen food security while enhancing farmers' income.
