Rain deficit leaves paddy farmers on edge

A weak monsoon and a prolonged dry spell have left paddy farmers in Thrissur worried, with water levels in several paddy fields already falling to a minimum.

“Barely enough water is available now to plant the seedlings. If the dry spell continues, paddy cultivation could be in serious trouble by next month,” said Tom Kiran, a young farmer from Velukkara panchayat.

Around 500 acres of paddy fields are cultivated by 12 paddy societies in Velukkara. Farmers are increasingly anxious about the prospects of the crop as the rains continue to stay away.

Organic farmer Sreeja of Arangottukara said even fields where seedlings have already been planted are facing a shortage of water.

“There is already a shortage of water in the fields where the seedlings have been planted. If this continues, the newly planted seedlings will dry up,” she said.