PMK founder S Ramadoss has urged the Tamil Nadu government to implement a kuruvai package to support farmers in the Cauvery irrigated districts, citing the low water levels in the Mettur dam. With the dam’s water level at 42 feet and storage at 13 TMC, Ramadoss pointed out that it is unlikely water can be released for kuruvai cultivation this year. He suggested groundwater-based cultivation as an alternative and called for the immediate announcement of a kuruvai package, including the provision of three-phase electricity for agriculture.
In a statement, Ramadoss noted that the expert committee recommends opening the dam on August 15 due to the monsoon’s late arrival in Kerala and Karnataka. He emphasized the need for early August cultivation to ensure crops are harvested before the northeast monsoon. Ramadoss believes that enabling farmers to utilize groundwater through a kuruvai package is essential to mitigate the current water crisis and support agricultural activities.
Ramadoss’s call to action highlights the urgent need for government intervention to aid farmers facing water scarcity and ensure agricultural productivity in the region.