Pandalam: While this year’s paddy harvest is more than 95 percent complete, according to estimates, the area under cultivation, the number of farmers, and the yield have all declined. A significant reduction is seen in the procurement by Supplyco from those registered for paddy procurement. 

Factors that discourage farmers include agricultural hardships, losses, non-payment after product procurement, increase in prices of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, inadequate infrastructure, wage hikes, and land degradation.

Cultivated2022-232023-24Decline
Area1,82,919 ha1,61,897.83 ha21,021.17 ha
Farmers2,50,3731,86,94663,427
Total produce7,31,183.563 ton5,28,797.143 ton2,02.386.42 ton