TN farmers seek govt help as wild rice weed spreads across paddy fields in KanyakumariPaddy farmers in Chenbagaramanputhoor, Kanyakumari district, are struggling with the spread of wild rice weed, which has affected nearly 150 acres and raised cultivation costs. However, the rapid spread of wild rice, also known as weedy rice, has emerged as a serious concern, particularly in fields where paddy has been raised through transplantation. It is now estimated to have affected nearly 150 acres of the approximately 500 acres of paddy fields in Chenbagaramanputhoor. Unlike ordinary weeds, wild rice closely resembles cultivated paddy in the initial stages of growth, making its identification and removal more difficult. The Chenbagaramanputhoor Farmers Association has sought government assistance to tackle the problem before it becomes widespread across the region.