On Wednesday, the Tamil Nadu government said in the assembly that the drought may affect the foodgrain production for the next two years.
The Times of India reported that advance fourth quarter estimates have shown that the state realised 60.32 lakh tonnes of foodgrains in 2016-2017.
The agriculture minister R Doraikkannu claimed that they had undertaken various farmer-oriented agricultural practices last year to bring a change in this sector but it has not given the desired output due to the failed monsoons, poor storage in major reservoirs, cyclone Vardah and non-release of Cauvery water by Karnataka.
The Hindu reported that the state witnessed a large deficit season during the northeast monsoon with a deviation of minus 62% against the normal rainfall of 440 mm, which is one of the worst ever monsoon failures in 141 years.
Doraikkannu added that other than the special Kuruvai financial package, the government will carry out micro-irrigation to bring in more crops with 100% subsidy for small and marginal farmers and 75% for other farmers, with the Centre’s support. A sum of Rs. 804 crore has been allocated, double that of last year, reported TOI.
In 2015-2016, Tamil Nadu had foodgrain production of 130.63 lakh tonnes which was said to be an achievement by the government.
In 2011-2012, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015, the government had crossed 100 lakh tonnes of foodgrain production.
The government has set a target of attaining 147.80 lakh tonnes of foodgrain production in 2016-2017.
However, the assembly stated that drought is a temporary situation and the farming community with the help of the government, will propel the state to achieve 100 lakh MT during 2017-2018.
Source: The News Minute