Paddy and Millet Cultivation Surges While Pulses and Oilseeds Decline

 

Despite efforts by the Agriculture Department to promote the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds in Madurai district, the area used for growing these crops has decreased significantly. Farmers say the main reason is low demand in the market.

According to the Agriculture Department, paddy and millet are the most commonly grown crops in Madurai, covering over 87,000 hectares. Pulses and oilseeds, mostly grown in rainfed areas, are the second most cultivated crops in the district. Even though the government has run awareness programs, the cultivation of pulses, cotton, and oilseeds is still much lower than expected during both the Rabi and Kharif seasons. Officials hoped farmers would plant these crops during the Tamil month of Aadi, but farmers say other problems have prevented them from doing so.

Data from the Agriculture Department shows that only 6,643 hectares of land were used for growing pulses, while the target was 11,090 hectares—almost a 50% drop. Oilseed cultivation covered only 1,500 hectares, and cotton was grown on over 5,000 hectares.

On the other hand, paddy and millet farming has increased. Paddy was grown on 54,948 hectares, much more than the target of 42,238 hectares. Millet farming also exceeded its goal, reaching 34,753 hectares instead of the planned 32,459 hectares.

During a recent agriculture meeting, Collector M.S. Sangeetha discussed the decline in pulses and oilseed farming. She encouraged farmers to rotate crops, saying that it could increase production and improve soil health.

"Compared to other crops, the prices of cotton and some types of pulses have dropped a lot. That’s why many farmers have switched to paddy and millet. Since water was available this season, many chose to grow paddy," said Manikandan, a farmer.

 

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