Farmers on edge as Telangana braces for thunderstorms

With the India Meteorological Department issuing an orange alert for several districts, concerns mount over fate of rabi crops, particularly paddy

Hyderabad: Farmers across the State are on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cloudy weather conditions and potential thunderstorms for the next two weeks. With an orange alert issued for several districts, concerns are mounting over the fate of rabi crops, particularly paddy.

While farmers desperately hope for the crucial final wetting to save their crops, strong winds and hail storms pose a significant threat to their harvests.

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The untimely March rains have wreaked havoc on standing crops. The heavy downpours, accompanied by gusty winds and lightning, have caused extensive damage to paddy, maize, and mango crops across several districts, including Karimnagar, Peddapalli, and Nizamabad. In Karimnagar district, maize fields were flattened, and paddy stored in market yards was soaked.

Mango farmers in Kamareddy district reported massive losses as gusty winds uprooted trees and caused premature fruit fall. Farmers in Choppadandi mandal, where crops were ready for harvest, described the damage as devastating.

The rains also disrupted power supply, damaged infrastructure, and caused casualties.

Former BRS MLA Sunke Ravishankar has demanded compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre for damaged crops and urged the government to provide relief for soaked paddy in market yards.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary A Santhi Kumari, who reviewed the situation, directed district administrations to remain on high alert, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast more rain and thunderstorms in the coming days.