Paddy farmers worried over cyclone threat

Vizianagaram: The paddy farmers in the district are worried a lot with meteorological department warning that cyclone Phethai is expected to landfall on December 17. 

The farmers said that thunder showers caused due to cyclone would damage the crop and grains. The farmers of the district have sown paddy in 1.20 Lakh hectares and the crop in 40,000 hactares was withered due to lack of irrigation water.

A farmer M Nukam Naidu of Thotapalli, stated, “Actually I planned to thresh my paddy crop today but due to cyclone warning I have postponed it.” He said that he would resume the work next week. 

But the farmers who have already started the work have speeded up the threshing to escape from the cyclone havoc. 

On the other side, the government has advised the farmers not to venture into sea for fishing. In-charge collector M Venkata Ramana Reddy said, “We have taken all measures to meet any situation. 

Commodities like food grains, gas cylinders, match boxes and candles were supplied to coastal villages in Bhogapuram and Pusapatirega mandals. 

Helpline centres were opened at Bobbili, Parvathipuram and Vizianagaram.