Paddy harvest commenced in the old Ayacut area of Anaimalai, Pollachi. Farmers conducted traditional rituals before starting the harvest and appealed for government support in pricing and equipment.
Coimbatore: The paddy harvest season has officially begun in the old Ayacut area of Anaimalai, near Pollachi, where farmers cultivated rice across 4,000 acres under the Aliyar Dam irrigation system three months ago.
Favorable conditions, including timely water release from the Aliyar Dam and adequate seasonal rainfall, have resulted in a good yield, with the crops now ready for harvest.
Farmers initiated the harvest today with traditional rituals, offering the first cut paddy to the field's guardian deity. They prepared pongal and reverently presented the newly harvested paddy ears as offerings. Following this, camphor was lit, and aarti was performed in the fields before the farmers joyfully commenced the full-scale harvesting process.
The farming community has put forward several demands to the government. They have requested the establishment of permanent procurement centers, instead of opening them only during the first and second crop harvests. Additionally, they are appealing to the Tamil Nadu government to set the procurement price at Rs. 30 per kilogram of paddy, similar to the practice in Kerala. The farmers have also urged the government to provide harvesting machinery to assist with the reaping process.
The successful cultivation in the Anaimalai region, part of the Aliyar Dam's irrigation network, showcases the potential of well-managed water resources and favorable weather conditions. As the harvest progresses, the focus now shifts to the government's response to the farmers' appeals for better support in pricing and mechanization.