Fri Aug 01 15:17:57 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article rewrite based on the text provided:
**Summary:**
Farmers in the Kollidam block of Mayiladuthurai district are increasingly adopting trellis-based horticulture under the Permanent Pandal Scheme to combat flood vulnerability and improve income. The scheme, supported by the Department of Horticulture, encourages intercropping with various gourds, chilli, and jasmine. Farmers are reporting increased yields and stable income despite flooding challenges, due to fertile soil and support from horticulture officials. The government has increased subsidies for the scheme, aiming to benefit more farmers in the region and encouraging a shift from traditional crops like paddy and cotton to more resilient and profitable horticulture practices.
**News Article:**
**Mayiladuthurai Farmers Find Stability in Trellis Farming Amidst Flooding Concerns**
**MAYILADUTHURAI, August 1, 2025** – In a move to combat frequent flooding and enhance farmer incomes, the Kollidam block of Mayiladuthurai district is witnessing a surge in trellis-based horticulture under the Department of Horticulture’s Permanent Pandal Scheme.
The initiative aims to provide a resilient and profitable alternative to traditional crops in flood-prone areas. Farmers are encouraged to cultivate crops such as bitter gourd, snake gourd, ribbed gourd, and bottle gourd using trellis structures, alongside crops like chilli and jasmine.
M. Selvaraj, a farmer from Muthalimedu Thittu, highlighted the benefits of the scheme, stating, “Our village is prone to flooding from the Kollidam, but these crops help me earn a stable income despite the challenges.” He credited regular visits from horticulture officials for helping him adopt best practices.
According to S. Kalaichelvam, Horticulture Officer for the Kollidam block, the region’s highly fertile soil, enriched by siltation, contributes to higher yields. “Farmers here are getting up to 600 kg per unit area, compared to the normal 400 kg, leading to higher productivity and income,” he explained.
The government has increased the subsidy under the Permanent Pandal Scheme from ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh per hectare this year. P. Chandra Kavitha, Deputy Director of Horticulture, said, “In Mayiladuthurai district, 15 hectares have been sanctioned under the scheme for 2025–26, and it is expected to benefit at least 45 farmers.”
District Collector H.S. Srikanth recently inspected the program and beneficiaries. The Horticulture Department is actively encouraging farmers along the Kollidam to shift from paddy and cotton to trellis-based horticulture, which is seen as a more sustainable and profitable solution in the face of increasing flooding risks. Selected farmers were also given seeds under the National Agricultural Development Programme with 100% subsidy.
First Piper 