P. Karuppannan (60), a marginal farmer of Pachapatti near Karur, invariably cultivates groundnut on his 1.5 acres of land. Since he suffered loss because of pest attack last year, he raised sunflower instead of groundnut this season (December to April). However, his decision has turned out to be wrong as the standing sunflower crops were drying up because of failure of summer shower.

The farmer, who had sensed the prospects of crop failure, was keeping his fingers crossed. He was not the lone farmer who faced the prospects of crop failure. Several other farmers feared the crop loss this season.

According to official sources, sunflower crop had been raised on 1,700 hectares of land in Aravakuruchi, Krishnarayapuram, and Thanthoni blocks of Karur district. Similarly, farmers in Musiri, Athavathur, and Thuraiyur had raised sunflower.

The crop, sowed in December, had reached the milking stage. In some areas, farmers were getting ready to harvest it. However, they say the crops are badly in need of rain before harvesting season.

“The crops are withering. There has not been a single drop of rain for the last three months. It is tough for us,” said Mr. Karuppannan.

While agreeing with the apprehension of farmers, a senior official of the Karur district said there was a possibility for revival of the crop if the district received summer showers. He had asked for reports from the field-level officials about the status of standing sunflower crop.

Source - thehindu.com