Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announces a ₹134.83 crore “Kuruvai Special Package” aimed at supporting paddy cultivation. The announcement is linked to difficulties affecting the crop season, including the delay in the Southwest monsoon, which results in the Mettur dam not being opened on the usual date of June 12. With low Mettur reservoir levels, the state plans to provide assistance to farmers in both delta and non-delta areas to help protect livelihoods and sustain paddy production.
Under the package, the government will provide financial support to farmers. It also plans to supply key inputs and services to facilitate cultivation, including seeds and fertilizers. The measures additionally include providing electricity for agricultural use for 18 hours a day. The stated intent of the package is to encourage continued paddy cultivation despite the irrigation challenges arising from the delayed dam release and reduced reservoir availability.
