Maize sowing begins across parts of northern Thoothukudi
Farmers in the Thoothukudi district of India have begun sowing maize despite concerns over El Nino and rainfall uncertainty. Recent rains encouraged agricultural activity, with farmers utilizing machinery to meet the limited planting window.
Why it matters
Maize is a critical crop for the region's rainfed agricultural economy, and its success is vital for local food security and farmer livelihoods.
After initially being sceptical about maize cultivation this year owing to the El Nino conditions and inadequate rainfall compared with the previous year, many farmers in the northern part of Thoothukudi district have begun sowing maize.
Thoothukudi district has a large extent of rainfed agricultural land that depends largely on the northeast monsoon. Of the 1.45 lakh hectares of rainfed agricultural land in the district, maize is cultivated on around 80,000 hectares. However, last year’s rainfall deficiency and the uncertainty over this year’s monsoon showers had made farmers hesitant to begin cultivation.
Following a brief spell of rainfall in several parts of Thoothukudi district over the past two days, farmers have now begun sowing maize in several areas including Ottapidaram, parts of Kovilpatti, Mettilpatti and nearby villages and parts of Ettayapuram.
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