Unseasonal rains in Telangana wreak havoc on crops, farmers demand relief

The relentless downpour, accompanied by gusty winds and hailstorms, has left farmers reeling in many districts. Crops such as paddy, maize and mango have borne the brunt

Hyderabad: Unseasonal rains and thunderstorms have battered several parts in the State over the last few days, causing extensive damage to crops. The relentless downpour, accompanied by gusty winds and hailstorms, has left farmers reeling in many districts. Crops such as paddy, maize and mango have borne the brunt.

Districts such as Mulugu, Adilabad, Nirmal, Mancherial, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Siddipet, Warangal, Hanamkonda, Sangareddy, Medak, Rangareddy, Suryapet, Yadadri Bhongir and Mahabubabad reported extensive crop losses. In Mulugu, paddy stocks at procurement centres were soaked, rendering them unfit for sale, while standing crops were flattened by strong winds. Farmers in Mancherial complained of losses similar to an earlier round in April last during which some 862 acres of paddy and 3,713 acres of mango orchards were devastated alongside 2 lakh metric tonnes of paddy at procurement centers.

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Preliminary estimates suggest the May 12–14 rains have caused considerable damage, with ongoing surveys by agricultural officials expected to reveal the full extent. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued an orange alert for Hyderabad and other districts, forecasting light to moderate rain with thunderstorms through May 14. The unseasonal weather, driven by a cyclonic circulation, has disrupted the harvest season, particularly for paddy and maize, while mango orchards in northern districts suffered premature fruit fall due to gales.

Farmers like Venkatesh from Mulugu expressed despair, stating: “The rains destroyed our paddy just when we were ready to sell. We need immediate government help.”

The State government has directed district officials to conduct rapid damage assessments, with promises of compensation at Rs.10,000 per acre, as seen in prior incidents. However, farmers voiced frustration citing delays in procurement and relief.

As isolated rains are forecast to continue in districts like Vikarabad, Mahabubnagar and Wanaparthy, farmers are bracing for further losses. With surveys underway, farmers are urging swift action to mitigate their situation and prevent a deepening farm sector crisis.