Tiruchi, May 18: A significant drop in water storage levels at Mettur Dam has raised concerns regarding Kuruvai farming in Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Delta region. Farmers and agricultural experts fear that the traditional release of water on June 12 may not occur this year.
On Sunday, the water level at Mettur Dam was recorded at 79 feet, compared to 108 feet during the same period last year. The reservoir’s water storage has also decreased to 41.035 TMC (thousand million cubic feet), down from 76.031 TMC in 2025.
According to tradition, water for Kuruvai farming is released from Mettur Dam only when the water level exceeds 100 feet. The current storage level is significantly below this threshold, raising concerns that the dam may not open on schedule this year. This situation has heightened worries among farmers in the Cauvery Delta region.
From 2020 to 2025, water was typically released from Mettur on time, leading to bumper harvests and surpassing Kuruvai farming targets for several years. During this period, Samba farming also thrived.
This year, the government has reduced agricultural targets. The goal for Kuruvai farming has been lowered to 344,000 acres, down from 631,000 acres in 2025. District-wise targets include 157,000 acres in Thanjavur, 97,000 acres in Thiruvarur, 87,000 acres in Mayiladuthurai, and 59,000 acres in Nagapattinam.
However, agricultural activities across the delta are progressing slowly. Reports indicate that only 35 percent of the targeted area has been cultivated so far.
Farmers who have begun planting are primarily relying on groundwater resources and borewells, while hoping for favorable southwest monsoon conditions. Agricultural experts predict that water levels in the dam may drop further by early June due to water being allocated for drinking needs, increasing pressure on irrigation planning.
Additionally, the demand for Tamil Nadu’s allocated share of water from the Cauvery River is gaining momentum, in line with established water distribution regulations.
With ongoing uncertainty regarding water availability, there are growing concerns that farmers may focus more on a ‘single Samba crop’ strategy to mitigate risks and prevent potential losses in the current agricultural season.
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