Paddy farmers in Tamil  Nadu's "Cradle of Paddy Cultivation" the Cauvery Delta region, are busy preparing the ground for next season's sowing. The sowing for the Karuvai season is expected to begin after June 12th when the Mettur Dam will be opened up for irrigation purposes.<br />'' <br />'' In anticipation of this, agriculture preparatory works for sowing are going on in full swing in the region. These include de silting and cleaning of irrigation canals, wells and water tanks necessary ground work for ensuring maximum yield from the sowing pattern etc.<br />'' <br />'' The Tamil Nadu Agricultural and Horticultural departments as well as Krishi Vigyan Kendras of the ICAR set up in rural areas are fully geared up to assist the farmers in their preparatory works. The Soil Health Card system of the Union Government is also proving to be helpful for the farmer in helping to decide on the correct manure mix for the soil conditions.<br />'' <br />'' The decision to include agricultural works also in the job schemes permissible under MGNREGA has also come as a relief to agricultural sector in general during Covid-19 lockdown.<br />'' <br />'' In the meantime, quality Karuvai paddy seedlings have been prepared for use in the Cauvery Delta region. These seedlings are being distributed at subsidized rates through the numerous extension centres of the Agriculture department.<br />'' <br />'' The Joint Director of Agriculture Services of the Trichy Division has requested farmers in the delta region to make use of these standard quality seedlings and to assure maximum yield in the next season. <br />