Unseasonal rain puts tribal farmers in a fix
The Hindu
Concerns over yield as harvest is yet to begin
The majority of Mullakuruma tribal farmers in Alathhur, Athikkuni, and Manmadhamoola in Noolpuzha grama panchayat in Wayanad cultivate rice for own consumption.
As many as 115 tribal farmers have cultivated traditional drought-tolerant rice varieties such as Thondi and Adukkan on 150 acres under the Muthanga Padasekhara Samiti. As no irrigation facilities are available, farmers usually cultivate drought-tolerant rice varieties.
Though the traditional rice varieties can withstand harsh climatic conditions, they have drawbacks such as low yield and lodging characteristics. (Lodging is the bending over of the stem of grain crops, which makes them difficult to harvest.)
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