Thu Jan 23 15:43:57 UTC 2025: **Central Teams Investigate Unseasonal Rain Damage to Paddy Crops in Tamil Nadu**
NAGAPATTINAM, Tamil Nadu, January 23, 2025 – Central government teams conducted inspections in Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam districts on Thursday to assess the damage to paddy crops caused by unseasonal heavy rains earlier this month. The inspections focused on moisture levels in both harvested and standing paddy.
In Mayiladuthurai, officials inspected several villages, including Thiruvidhiyalattam and Memathur, noting significant crop damage from 22 cm of rainfall on January 18th. Samples were collected to determine the extent of the damage. Collector A.P. Mahabharathi reported that the rain damaged paddy ready for harvest and increased moisture content in already harvested grain.
In Nagapattinam, the team examined direct procurement centers, where farmers requested approval to sell paddy with up to 22% moisture content due to the rain’s impact. This follows the state government’s request to raise the permissible moisture level for procurement.
The inspections are a direct response to concerns about the impact of the unseasonal rains on the paddy harvest and the subsequent impact on farmers. The findings of the assessments are expected to inform decisions regarding support for affected farmers.
First Piper 