The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a serious warning for several districts in central Tamil Nadu, predicting heavy rainfall on January 9 and 10. In response to this alert, the agriculture department in Trichy has rolled out an urgent advisory for the farming community, instructing them to take swift action to protect their standing crops from potential devastation.
Massive Crop Area Under Threat
The scale of cultivation that could be impacted is significant. Official data reveals that more than 54,953 hectares of paddy and another 20,613 hectares of maize and sorghum are currently under cultivation across the Trichy district. This vast agricultural expanse is now facing a direct threat from the forecasted downpour, which could lead to severe waterlogging and post-harvest spoilage.
Official Advisory: Harvest Now, Drain Fields
The department's primary and most urgent instruction is for farmers to harvest any crops that have reached maturity without a moment's delay. B Vasantha, the Joint Director of Agriculture, stressed the critical nature of timing. "Farmers are requested to harvest mature crops immediately before the heavy rains to prevent inundation and associated damage," Vasantha emphasized.
Beyond harvesting, officials have outlined specific protective measures:
- Create Immediate Drainage: Farmers must ensure effective drainage channels in their fields to allow rainwater to flow out quickly, preventing stagnation.
- Secure Harvested Produce: All harvested grains must be covered securely with tarpaulin sheets to keep them dry during the rains.
- Prevent Grain Spoilage: The advisory highlights that water stagnation can cause premature germination in paddy or discolouration in maize cobs, rendering the produce unsellable.
Delta Districts Also on High Alert
The emergency preparedness drive is not limited to Trichy. Similar advisories have been proactively disseminated through social media platforms to farmers in other crucial delta districts. These include Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, and Nagapattinam, indicating a region-wide mobilization to mitigate agricultural losses ahead of the severe weather.
The overarching message from the agriculture department is clear: prompt action is the only way to limit financial and crop losses. Farmers are being urged to treat the IMD warning with utmost seriousness and implement all recommended precautions to safeguard their hard work and livelihood from the impending heavy rains.
