Double whammy in delta: farmers staring at fertilizer shortage amid inundation of paddy fields

With the northeast monsoon intensifying over the Cauvery delta, farmers cultivating samba and thalady paddy across the region are increasingly concerned about the availability of fertilizers for the peak growth phase. Over 10 lakh acres are likely to be brought under samba and thalady cultivation this season, but large stretches of farmland have already come under water due to continuous rain.

According to preliminary estimates from the Agriculture department, around 5,000 hectares of paddy fields across the four major delta districts are inundated. Farmers fear that the post-rain nutrient requirement — particularly DAP and urea — may trigger a supply crunch.

District officials, however, maintain that the situation is under control. Adequate stocks are available and additional consignments are expected in the coming weeks.

‘Stocks insufficient’

P.R. Pandian, president of the Coordination Committee of All Farmers Associations of Tamil Nadu, said the availability on the ground did not reflect official claims. “For the expected 10 lakh acres of samba and thalady, fertilizers like urea, potash, DAP, and complex are sufficient only for about 5 lakh acres,” he said. The immediate requirement will be felt once the current spell of rain ends.

“Fields in Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam are submerged. When the rain recedes, farmers will have to apply DAP and urea continuously for recovery and nourishment. That is when the real shortage will become visible,” he said.

Each acre of paddy typically requires 50 kg of DAP and 25 kg of urea, he said.

Mix of micronutrients

S.R. Tamilselvan, a farmer leader associated with the Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Protection Association, said DAP availability was particularly poor in certain pockets. “In Vedaranyam and Thirumarugal, shops are forcing farmers to buy micronutrient mixtures along with DAP. Adequate DAP stock is simply not available,” he said.

Agriculture department sources insisted that the fertilizer position was “comfortable”. “Supplies are being received on a rolling basis, and additional loads will reach the districts shortly,” an official said.