Drastic weather changes worrying farmers

Pithapuram: Following drastic changes in the weather conditions since Wednesday morning, farmers are a worried lot as there has been intermittent rain in several areas of the district. This is causing serious concern to them, as only 40 per cent of paddy crop cutting has been completed out of a total area of 2.30 lakh hectares (20 to 35 per cent in the case of upland areas).

As much as 15 per cent of harvesting work is still going on in the fields. Keeping this in view, the warning by the weatherman of the effects of a depression in the next three days is adding to the worries of farmers. Moreover, there was rain in several mandals on Wednesday evening.

The crop cutting in the Central and Eastern deltas has commenced a month back, completing to an extent of 35-38 per cent. Another 15 per cent has just begun. In the upland areas the crop gets delayed by a month or two. This has become a curse for ryots.

Paddy crop cutting has begun in both the upland and agency areas, getting completed to the extent of 20-35 per cent. This has to be dried and made into different heaps. The weather changes are worrying farmers.

Keeping in view the weather, AD of Agriculture G V Padmasri suggested that farmers postpone crop cutting by two days, saying that it is not correct to do so in view of the prospects of more rain. Speaking to The Hans India, she said that ryots would suffer losses if they go for cutting in a hurry.

Padmasri advised them to ensure that there is no storage of rain water in their fields. She stated that covers with 50 per cent subsidy were provided to farmers last year and that they could use them now.

In the light of the changed weather conditions, the demand for cutting machines has increased, with the charges getting revised. As against Rs 2,200 in the past the cost has gone up to Rs 3,000-4,000 as there is a shortage of such machines in the district.

The Agriculture department officials say that there is concern on account of farmers not opting for the subsidised machines. Farmers say contend that in the present circumstances even machines can’t complete the task of crop cutting, as there is a danger of their wheels getting struck.

They are praying for no rain now. Besides, there is a shortage of covers and gunny bags in the district. Farmers don’t have gunnies to shift their crops to wear houses. The shortage of covers, which are being offered on 50 per cent subsidy, is telling. Only 200-300 farmers in this constituency possess covers, as there was no supply this year. As such they are getting ready to hire them.