Chennai, Jun 14 (PTI) In order to protect the interests of Cauvery delta farmers, a 'Kuruvai' special package scheme will be implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 78.67 crore, Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister M R K Panneeerselvam said here on Friday.

Traditionally, for the purpose of short-term 'Kuruvai' paddy cultivation, water is released on June 12 every year from the Mettur dam. As there is no sufficient storage in the dam this year, there is a delay in releasing water for cultivation in delta regions, Panneerselvam said, adding Chief Minister M K Stalin has ordered implementation of the special package to ensure protection of the interests of farmers.

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Under the scheme, which envisages several support-measures to help farmers, 2,000 tons of paddy seeds for about one lakh acres will be distributed at a subsidised rate through agriculture extension centres.

Through state funding and by integrating various related government schemes, the Kuruvai special package scheme will be implemented, Panneerselvam said in a statement.

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(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)