India, June 12 -- The Tamil Nadu government on Friday announced a Rs.134.83-crore special package to promote the cultivation of kuruvai paddy across all delta and non-delta districts amid concerns over delayed monsoon rains and low water storage in the Mettur dam.

The initiative by the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government aims to support rice production, protect farmers' livelihoods and strengthen the state's food security.

Traditionally, the Mettur dam in Salem district is opened on June 12 every year to facilitate kuruvai cultivation in the delta districts of Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Tiruchirappalli and Ariyalur.

However, the government said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) h...