Samba paddy cultivation has begun across Tiruchi district. The crop is expected to be raised on more than 50,000 hectares. With steady flows in the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers, officials expect a rise in acreage this season. Farmers have already started sowing, with harvest expected between January and February.

Pointing to complaints of sale of poor quality seeds in some pockets of the district last year, Vayalur N. Rajendran, State treasurer of the Tamil Maanila Congress, said: “Seed quality is a major concern. Government should ensure only certified varieties are supplied through official channels.”

Mr. Rajendran urged that institutional credit be made more accessible. “For small and tenant farmers, access to loans through cooperative societies is the difference between managing the season and falling into debt. There should be no hurdles in availing loans,” he said.

He emphasised the need for better coordination between the Agricultural Engineering, Revenue and Water Resources departments in desilting irrigation channels.

While water availability is considered satisfactory, farmers complain that desilting is incomplete. “Mostly A and B channels have been cleared, but C and D channels remain clogged. These need to be brought under the Water Resources Department since local bodies and revenue authorities lack funds and coordination to maintain them,” said A. Sivasuriyan of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS).

He highlighted issues in fertilizer supply. “While urea is priced at about ₹260 a bag, some dealers insist on selling nano-fertilisers at ₹400–₹600 along with it. Such practices must be curbed, especially during peak sowing,” Mr. Sivasuriyan said.

Sources in the district administration said adequate stocks of certified seeds and fertilizers were available and crop loans were being sanctioned. The administration has geared up to attend to farmers’ grievances promptly.