Fri Mar 21 13:13:25 UTC 2025: ## Thoothukudi Farmers Face Higher Harvesting Costs, Lower Paddy Prices After Unseasonal Rains
**THOOTHUKUDI, March 21, 2025** – Farmers in Thoothukudi district are facing a double blow as they harvest their ‘pisanam’ paddy: increased harvesting costs and reduced paddy prices due to recent unseasonal rains. Harvesting is underway in several villages, including Korampallam, Periyanayagipuram, and Aththimarappatti.
While some farmers who used direct sowing methods reported decent yields, those who transplanted saplings saw lower yields due to the rains. The wet conditions have also led to a labor shortage, forcing farmers to hire harvesters from areas like Salem at a significantly increased cost – ₹2,600 per hour, ₹200 more than last year.
The unseasonal rains have also depressed paddy prices. Farmers are now receiving ₹3,100 for 140 kg of paddy, down from ₹3,300 before the rains. This combination of higher expenses and lower income is putting a strain on farmers in the region. The situation highlights the vulnerability of agricultural practices to unpredictable weather patterns.
First Piper 