By Unseasonal or untimely rains can damage crops that are not ready for harvesting. Heavy rainfall can lead to waterlogging, which can drown crops or cause root damage. Additionally, high winds accompanying the rain can break or damage crops.
In the past two days, Telangana has witnessed untimely rains, damaging crops in many districts. Farmers have suffered losses amounting to lakhs of rupees. The untimely rains have intensified the plight of farmers who are already struggling with debts. Reacting to this issue, senior BRS leader and former minister Harish Rao took to Twitter.
“Immediate Relief Required for Farmers Hit by Unseasonal Rainfall”
“Harish Rao stated, ‘Due to the untimely rains, farmers have suffered heavy losses. The Vaan (rain-fed) farmers in Adilabad, Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Karimnagar, Ranga Reddy, Medak, Siddipet, and other districts have been severely affected. Their crops have been damaged at a crucial time, leaving them in distress.’
“He further added, ‘Crops such as paddy, maize, jowar, and other horticultural crops have been severely damaged, causing significant losses to the farmers. Despite the untimely rains causing losses to farmers, the government has not shown any significant response. Even after two to three days of untimely rains, the government has not shown any urgency.’
Untimely rains can have significant impacts on farmers and agriculture. Here are some of the effects:
- Crop Damage: Unseasonal or untimely rains can damage crops that are not ready for harvesting. Heavy rainfall can lead to waterlogging, which can drown crops or cause root damage. Additionally, high winds accompanying the rain can break or damage crops.
- Delayed Planting or Harvesting: If rains occur when farmers are supposed to plant or harvest their crops, it can delay these activities. This delay can disrupt the entire agricultural schedule and potentially reduce yields.
- Pest and Disease Spread: Increased moisture from untimely rains can create favorable conditions for pests and diseases to thrive. This can lead to outbreaks that further damage crops and reduce yields.
- Quality Issues: Excessive rainfall can reduce the quality of crops by causing them to rot, mold, or develop other defects. This can result in lower prices for farmers when they sell their produce.
- Financial Loss: Crop damage and reduced yields due to untimely rains can result in significant financial losses for farmers. They may struggle to cover their expenses or repay loans, leading to economic hardship.
- Livestock Concerns: Heavy rains can also affect livestock farming by making grazing areas muddy and inaccessible. It can also increase the risk of diseases among animals.
- Soil Erosion: Intense rainfall can lead to soil erosion, washing away valuable topsoil and nutrients. This can degrade soil quality and reduce its fertility, impacting future crop yields.
- Infrastructure Damage: Floods caused by untimely rains can damage farm infrastructure such as irrigation systems, farm roads, and storage facilities. Rebuilding these structures can be costly and time-consuming.
“Revanth Reddy, a former minister, echoed Harish Rao’s sentiments and tweeted, ‘Politics aside, the Congress must stand by the farmers’ side and immediately provide relief to them. The government should take immediate steps to provide compensation of Rs. 10,000 per acre for the lost crops.’
“The demand for relief from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) comes at a time when farmers in several districts of Telangana have suffered heavy losses due to untimely rains. The party is urging the government to provide immediate assistance to those affected.”
