Maize sowing begins across parts of northern Thoothukudi

After initially being sceptical about maize cultivation this year owing to the El Nino conditions and inadequate rainfall compared with the previous year, many farmers in the northern part of Thoothukudi district have begun sowing maize.

Thoothukudi district has a large extent of rainfed agricultural land that depends largely on the northeast monsoon. Of the 1.45 lakh hectares of rainfed agricultural land in the district, maize is cultivated on around 80,000 hectares. However, last year’s rainfall deficiency and the uncertainty over this year’s monsoon showers had made farmers hesitant to begin cultivation.

Following a brief spell of rainfall in several parts of Thoothukudi district over the past two days, farmers have now begun sowing maize in several areas including Ottapidaram, parts of Kovilpatti, Mettilpatti and nearby villages and parts of Ettayapuram.

A.Varadharajan, president of Karisal Bhoomi Farmers’ Association, said farmers had started maize cultivation in many parts of the district, with most of them beginning the process by Wednesday. He added that machines were being used for cultivation in most areas. As the sowing window is limited, farmers cannot afford to wait any longer and have started cultivation despite the uncertainty over the rainfall.