Farmers seek relief for damaged paddy crops

Farmers from M. Saveriyarpattanam and surrounding villages near Kadaladi demanding relief assistance for damaged crops submitted a petition to District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon during a public grievance meeting here on Monday.

Holding withered paddy crops in their hands, the farmers demanded relief assistance as nearly 5,000 acres of crops have dried up due to a lack of rain.

In the M. Saveriyarpattanam area of Maranthai revenue village, Kadaladi Taluk, heavy rains in September initially damaged young paddy seedlings.

While the surviving crops managed to grow for a while, a severe lack of rainfall since December has caused them to wither away, lamented farmers.

The affected farmers urged the Collector to conduct a thorough survey and provide appropriate compensation.

“Since our village lacks lake or irrigation facilities, most farmers rely entirely on seasonal monsoons. Over the past few years, we have been cultivating paddy, chili, and cotton by taking out bank loans,” said Francis, a farmer from the village.

This year, they faced heavy rains at the start and then a total lack of rain during the growth stage, causing the paddy to wither, he added.

“We have spent between ₹10,000 and ₹20,000 per acre and are now facing heavy losses,” he stated.

He further noted that across Maranthai and surrounding villages, 5,000 acres of paddy had been destroyed.

As this has left farmers unable to repay their gold loans and agricultural loans, Mr. Francis requested the officials to take action to waive their loans and provide necessary compensation and relief.