Tamil Nadu announces Rs 134 crore relief package for Kuruvai farmers amid monsoon delay

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday announced a special relief package worth ₹134 crore to support farmers during the Kuruvai cultivation season. The decision comes as the southwest monsoon remains delayed and the Mettur Dam could not be opened on its customary date of June 12.

In an official statement, the state government said the package aims to assist farmers facing uncertainty due to inadequate water availability. Paddy cultivation in the Cauvery delta region spans around 52.72 lakh acres, covering districts such as Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and parts of Cuddalore, Tiruchi and Ariyalur.

The government noted that the water level in the Mettur Dam currently stands at 79.56 feet, making its opening unfeasible at present. As a result, the usual cultivation target of around 5 lakh acres in the delta region may not be achieved this season.

However, officials said paddy cultivation can still be undertaken on nearly 3.55 lakh acres using filter points and alternative water sources. The relief package is expected to provide crucial support to farmers affected by delayed rainfall and water shortages across the state.