Paddy Harvest Season Kicks Off in Kuttanad

Swift Summary:

• Harvesting of paddy crops for the additional (second) crop season has commenced in Kuttanad,Kerala.
• The 133.4-hectare Ezhamkari Kizhake paddy polder at Karuvatta was the first area harvested, with 170 farmers growing the Uma rice variety.
• In this additional season,paddy farming spans 7,224 hectares across five blocks and involves 10,095 farmers cultivating 123 paddy polders under 14 Krishi Bhavans.
• Varieties cultivated include Uma (91% of total area), Pournami, and Manuratna.Manuratna seeds where supplied through Alappuzha’s Seed Village Scheme.
• Paddy procurement by Supplyco has not yet begun. Discussions with mills are ongoing to set agreements. Last season’s fixed procurement price was ₹28.20 per kg (₹23 MSP by Center + ₹5.20 State bonus).
• despite a ₹1.17 increase in MSP in June 2023 by the Centre, it was offset by a reduction in State incentive to maintain consistency at ₹28.20 per kg for farmers.
• White-backed planthopper infestations and other pests identified earlier have been controlled after alerts from the Kerala Centre for Pest Management (KCPM).
• Preparations for the ‘puncha’ crop season-the primary cultivation period-have started.

Indian opinion Analysis:
The commencement of harvests marks an vital phase for Kuttanad’s agricultural cycle as it highlights both achievements and challenges within its labor-intensive system. Observing that supply chain processes like Supplyco procurement are still being finalized is noteworthy; delays may add financial pressure on cultivators who already face fluctuating costs against stagnant selling prices.

Additionally, pest control measures implemented successfully reflect proactive state-level agricultural management but signify an enduring need to invest further in such infrastructure given recurring threats to crops like stemborer or planthopper outbreaks.

The maintenance of stability in pricing as last year indicates attempts at predictability in earnings amidst input cost variations-a choice that balances financial prudence against farmer welfare concerns.Read more: Original Article