TN CM Vijay announces special Kuruvai package for paddy cultivation at a cost of ₹ 134.83 million

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. File | Photo credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Friday (June 12, 2026) announced a special Kuruvai package for rice cultivation in Cauvery delta areas and other areas of the state at a cost of ₹ 134.83 million.

According to an official report, paddy is grown on 52.72 lakh acres across the state. In the Cauvery delta region comprising Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai districts and certain parts of Cuddalore, Tiruchi and Ariyalur districts, paddy rice is grown on 20.65 lakh acres annually, of which an average of 5.14 lakh acres during the Kuruvai season.

In other districts, rice cultivation is done annually on 32.07 lakh acres, of which an average of 5.48 lakh acres is cultivated during the Kar, Kuruvai and Sornavari seasons. Usually Mettur dam is opened every year on the usual date of 12th June to facilitate the cultivation of Kuruvai rice in the delta areas.

Precipitation deficit

However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that rainfall during the southwest monsoon season may be below normal due to the El Nino effect. As the southwest monsoon was delayed, the inflow into the Mettur dam remained low. At present, the water level in the dam is only 79.56 feet (with a storage of 41.52 tmc ft) and it is not possible to open the dam on June 12, the report said.

As a result, there is little scope for paddy cultivation on the usual 5,000 acres in the Cauvery delta areas. As up to 3.55 lakh hectares can still be cultivated in these areas through filter points and as farmers in other districts face erratic rainfall conditions, the Chief Minister announced the introduction of a special Kuruvai package for 2026 to protect farmers’ livelihoods and promote paddy cultivation.

A total of ₹ 77.5 crore was allocated for the delta areas, while ₹ 57.33 crore was allocated for the other districts. Through this package, mechanization will be supported and water management will be improved. The program will also help increase farmers’ income and strengthen the state’s food security, the report said.

Further, dewatering works covering 2,325 km of C and D canals in the delta areas were completed at a cost of ₹ 10 crore through the Agricultural Machinery Department. Besides, the water resources department is carrying out desilting work covering 4,971 km of A and B canals at a cost of ₹ 100 crore, of which 97% has been completed so far, the report said.

Further, 10,714 metric tonnes of paddy seeds and 4.02 lakh metric tonnes of fertilizers were stored for Kuruvai cultivation. Besides, continuous three-phase power supply will be provided for 18 hours a day, he added.

Published – 12 Jun 2026 11:02 IST