Heavy rains play havoc with Rabi farmers across many districts

Telangana farmers are facing severe hardships as unseasonal rains, accompanied by gales and hailstorms, continue to wreak havoc across different districts

Hyderabad: Telangana farmers are facing severe hardships as unseasonal rains, accompanied by gales and hailstorms, continue to wreak havoc across different districts putting farmers to severe hardships for the past two days. The worst-affected regions include Mulugu, Jayashankar Bhupalpally and Suryapet, where paddy and chilli growers are bearing the brunt of the destruction.

In Tadwai, Venkatapuram, and Govindraopet mandals of Mulugu district, the rains have left a trail of devastation. Farmers of villages on the banks of River Godavari suffered extensive losses, with massive stocks of harvested paddy impacted due to heavy winds. Despite covering their produce with tarpaulins, strong gusts swept away the covers, leaving their hard-earned yields exposed to relentless downpour.

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The situation in Jayashankar Bhupalpally is even grimmer. Mahadevpur, Kataram, and Mahamuttaram areas have been battered by storms for the past two days, causing trees to topple and bringing vehicular traffic to a standstill. Local farmers expressed their frustration over their inability to safeguard their paddy stocks, which remain drenched and at risk of further damage. Given the scarcity of rainfall and water supply during the Rabi season, every grain of paddy is invaluable to them.

Suryapet farmers share similar concerns. As one of the state’s major paddy-producing districts, growers are under immense pressure to sell off their stocks due to a lack of storage space. At Raj Naik Tanda, a group of farmers staged a demonstration for two hours on Friday, urging authorities to expedite paddy procurement and save them from further financial strain. With mounting losses and uncertain prospects, farmers across the state are mounting pressure on the officials for swift action. They are urging the government step up the pace of procurement and provide compensation for the losses suffered.