Soybean farmers in Nirmal, Adilabad count losses as rains damage crop

Incessant rains have damaged soybean crops in Nirmal and Adilabad districts, causing heavy losses for farmers. Yields have fallen from 5 to 3 quintals per acre, while investments exceed returns. Farmers are urging the government to provide compensation

Nirmal/Adilabad: Soybean farmers are facing heavy losses as incessant rains damaged the crop during the flowering and harvesting stages in both Nirmal and Adilabad districts.

According to agriculture officials, soybean was cultivated in 1.05 lakh acres in Nirmal district and 50,000 acres in Adilabad. Nirmal has around 72,000 farmers growing the crop, while Adilabad accounts for about 40,000. The government has fixed a minimum support price of Rs 5,328 per quintal.

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Farmers said they were witnessing a steep fall in yield due to the damage caused by rains. Many reported investing over Rs 20,000 per acre, but their returns have dropped to about Rs 15,000 per acre. They urged the government to provide compensation for the crop loss caused by adverse weather.

Manmohan Reddy, a farmer from Sarangapur mandal, said his yield dropped to 3 quintals per acre compared to the normal 5 quintals. “The crop was damaged during flowering and harvesting stages, which has badly affected us,” he said, adding that the crop was also hit by disease.

Harvesting has been underway for the past few days, with farmers hiring harvesters to cut the crop. However, they are struggling to protect the produce transported to government procurement centres amid the continuing rains. Many have resorted to using polythene sheets to prevent the grains from getting soaked.

Between June 1 and October 6, Nirmal district recorded 1,139 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 928 mm, an excess of 29. Adilabad recorded 1,375 mm against a normal 1,015 mm, reflecting an excess of 35.