The sounds of combine harvesters are now echoing across Kuttanad as the second paddy crop season gets into full swing! Farmers are excitedly beginning to gather their yields from the additional cultivation. The Ezhamkari Kizhake paddy polder in Karuvatta was the very first to see these modern machines in action. Here, 170 dedicated farmers successfully grew the popular Uma rice variety, harvesting it after a robust 135-day growth period.
This season, farmers across Kuttanad have diligently cultivated paddy on a vast 7,224 hectares. A remarkable 10,095 farmers, spread across 123 paddy polders within 14 Krishi Bhavans (agricultural offices) in areas like Ambalappuzha, Alappuzha, Champakulam, Haripad, and Ramankary blocks, have participated in this additional crop venture. A staggering 91% of this total area is dedicated to the resilient Uma variety, though Pournami and Manuratna varieties are also being grown.
Specifically, three paddy fields covering 138.52 hectares under the Punnapra North and Alappuzha municipality Krishi Bhavans were sown with Manuratna seeds. These seeds were provided through the commendable Seed Village Scheme, a joint initiative by the Alappuzha District Panchayat and the Agriculture department, aimed at supporting local farmers.
While the harvest is underway, the Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation (Supplyco) is yet to start purchasing the paddy. Officials assure farmers that discussions with mill owners are progressing well, and an agreement is anticipated soon. Last season, Supplyco acquired paddy at ₹28.20 per kilogram. This price included a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of ₹23 from the Union government, topped up with an additional ₹5.20 incentive bonus from the State government.
It’s worth noting that the procurement price has remained steady since the 2022-23 season. Despite the Centre increasing the MSP by ₹1.17 to ₹23 last June, the State government adjusted its bonus downwards by the exact same amount, ensuring the total price stayed at ₹28.20 per kg. Furthermore, farmers receive an extra 12 paise per kilogram as a handling charge, a small but significant detail for their hard work.
Earlier this season, the Kerala Centre for Pest Management (KCPM) had raised a warning about potential infestations from white-backed planthoppers, stemborers, and leaf folders in Kuttanad’s paddy fields. The presence of these pests was confirmed in fields managed by the Thakazhi, Kainakary, and Karuvatta Krishi Bhavans. However, diligent efforts have successfully brought these pest concerns under control, safeguarding the crops.
As the current harvest progresses, farmers are already looking ahead. Preparations for the eagerly awaited ‘puncha’ (first) crop season have already commenced in the region. This ‘puncha’ season is historically when Kuttanad sees its most extensive and vital paddy cultivation.