Paddy harvest in Thoothukudi faces cost challenges

Harvesting of ‘pisanam’ paddy is at full speed in Thoothukudi district. However, farmers are facing challenges. They are paying more for harvesters due to a shortage of labor. The price they receive for their paddy has also dropped after recent unseasonal rains. In the Korampallam area, harvesting began two weeks ago. Farmers in Korampallam, Periyanayagipuram, and nearby regions have planted various paddy varieties, including Ambai 16 and IR 20. Some have also grown 'Karuppu Kavuni' and 'Karnataka Ponni'. Farmer S. Sakthivel noted that those who used direct sowing saw better yields, while those who transplanted saplings did not do as well this year. The recent rain has negatively impacted yields. To address the labor shortage, farmers are hiring harvesters from Salem and other regions. This year, they are paying ₹2,600 per hour for harvesters, which is ₹200 more than last year. The wet fields caused by the rains have also contributed to these higher costs. Additionally, the price for paddy has changed. Farmers received ₹3,300 for 140 kg of paddy before the rains, but now the price is only ₹3,100. This situation has made things more difficult for local farmers as they navigate these challenges.