Harvesting of samba paddy has begun in a few parts of Tiruchi district and initial reports indicate that the yield would be good and normal. While harvesting is expected to reach its peak in another 10 days in most parts of the district, farmers in tail-end areas of some of the major irrigation canals say that they still require water for irrigation at least till February 15. Paddy has been raised on about 41,347 hectares (ha) in the district.