Mon Feb 10 13:32:15 UTC 2025: ## Alappuzha Paddy Harvest to Begin in Full Swing

**Alappuzha, Kerala, February 10, 2025** – The paddy harvest season is set to begin in full swing across Alappuzha district, particularly in the Kuttanad region, with preparations underway. The Agriculture department reports that rice has been cultivated across 26,414 hectares, encompassing 609 paddy polders.

Harvesting has already commenced in some areas, and is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. The department anticipates completing the harvest of 23 fields by the end of February, with 350 polders in March and 150 in April. Around 400 combine harvesters will be deployed to facilitate the process, with a maximum rental rate of ₹2,200 per acre.

However, high salinity levels in water bodies remain a major concern for farmers. The Aikya Kuttanad Padasekhara Ekopana Samithi will hold a protest march on February 12th, demanding government intervention to reduce salinity and increase the paddy procurement price to ₹35 per kg from the current ₹28.20. Separately, Karshaka Congress will stage a protest march to the Alappuzha District Collectorate on Wednesday, also raising concerns about salinity levels.

Read More