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Samba crops under water in Karaikal

S. Nadarajan

Chief Minister tours flood-hit villages on Wednesday

PONDICHERRY: More than 6,000 hectares of agricultural land, with samba crop raised either through direct sowing or by transplantation, have been submerged in Karaikal. This has led to fears of a sharp decline in production.

In a bid to salvage as much of the crop as possible, steps were being taken to prevent a possible pest and disease attack after the water receded, Department of Agriculture sources told this newspaper on Wednesday. The actual condition of the crop would, however, be known only after the water receded.

Karaikal has recorded a total rainfall of 77.4 cm since the beginning of this month. All rivers are in spate, with the Pravadayar in T R Pattinam flowing above the danger level at one stage. The Vanjiyar too is flowing close to the danger level.

Farmers would have invested between Rs. 8,000 and Rs. 10,000 per hectare to raise the paddy. The normal yield is 410 tons per hectare.

The Collector S. Sundaravadivelou said on Wednesday that the number of relief centres had been increased from 22 to 70. Floodwater had inundated roads in most of the areas.

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