Thu Sep 11 13:05:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:
**Summary:**
Tiruppur district in Tamil Nadu, India, is experiencing a significant rainfall deficit, impacting dryland farming in several blocks. This has negatively affected crops like groundnut and sorghum. However, paddy cultivation is seeing a resurgence in some areas due to the Athikadavu-Avinashi recharge scheme, which has raised the water table. The Agriculture Department has ensured sufficient seed and fertilizer stocks for the upcoming cropping season.
**News Article:**
**Tiruppur Farmers Face Hardship as Rainfall Deficit Threatens Dryland Crops**
*Tiruppur, India – September 11, 2025* – Farmers in Tiruppur district are grappling with the adverse effects of deficient rainfall, with the Agriculture Department reporting a 40.62 mm shortfall as of August. The hardest hit areas include Palladam, Kunnathur, Mulanur, Dharapuram, and Kangayam blocks. Crops like groundnut and sorghum are particularly vulnerable, raising concerns about potential yield losses.
“We are hoping for a significant rainfall spell later this month to salvage the situation,” said a local farmer, reflecting the anxiety felt across the district.
Despite the challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope for paddy cultivation. The Athikadavu-Avinashi Ground Water Recharge and Drinking Water Supply Scheme, a ₹1,916 crore project, is revitalizing groundwater levels. This has led to the return of paddy farming in areas like Avinashi and Uthukuli after decades. Farmers in Thoravalur, Avinashi taluk are cultivating paddy for the first time in 50 years.
The Agriculture Department has assured farmers of adequate resources for the upcoming cropping season, maintaining stocks of paddy (70.63 MT), cereals (53.74 MT), pulses (75.97 MT), and oilseed crops (20.45 MT). Similarly, sufficient quantities of urea, phosphate, complex fertilizers, and super phosphate are in stock.
While the Athikadavu-Avinashi scheme promises to transform dryland agriculture in the long run, farmers are anxiously awaiting rainfall to mitigate the immediate impact of the current deficit. The department is also watching the situation closely, and prepared to help farmers if needed.