Chennai, Aug 6:
Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth on Thursday informed the State Assembly that at least 12 districts in the state are likely to be severely affected by the anticipated super El Niño phenomenon, particularly during the ongoing Kuruvai cultivation season.
Presenting the Agriculture Budget, the minister said the government has already put in place a comprehensive mitigation strategy based on the contingency plans prepared by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. These plans have been shared with district collectors, and steps are being implemented across regions to minimise the potential impact on farmers.
Vinoth noted that the El Niño event is expected to have widespread effects across the country, with Tamil Nadu facing significant challenges during the June to early August cultivation window. To address this, the state has intensified preparedness efforts, focusing on climate-resilient practices and timely intervention at the district level.
As part of strengthening agricultural infrastructure, the government announced the establishment of eight Integrated Agricultural Extension Centres across key districts, including Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Tiruchirappalli, Virudhunagar, Theni, Thoothukudi, and Coimbatore. These centres will provide farmers with access to schemes, advisory services, and storage facilities, with a total investment of ₹27.82 crore.
In addition, the government will distribute tarpaulins to 43,500 farmers to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure safe drying and storage of produce. A sum of ₹10 crore has been allocated for this initiative. To encourage productivity, state-level crop yield competitions will be conducted under the name “Makkal Sevagar Anjalai Ammal,” with cash prizes awarded to top-performing farmers across multiple crop categories.
Promoting sustainable farming practices, the government will also confer the “Nammazhvar Award” on five outstanding organic farmers, recognising excellence in eco-friendly agriculture. Each award carries a cash prize of ₹2 lakh along with a certificate of appreciation.
The minister reiterated that the budget has been shaped through consultations with stakeholders and is aimed at strengthening resilience in the farming sector. With climate uncertainties on the rise, the government’s proactive measures are expected to support farmers in mitigating risks and sustaining agricultural productivity.