Khammam : Untimely rain brings tears to chilli farmers

Khammam : Untimely rain has created havoc in both Khammam and Bhadradri-Kothagudem districts on Friday, leading to huge loss of chilli crop worth crores of rupees.

Due to sudden rain in both the districts chilli, cotton, paddy and red gram crops turned wet and farmers are in distress mood. Thousands of chilli bags brought to Khammam chilli market yard on Friday from all parts of erstwhile Khammam district.

Thousands of chilli bags kept on the floor for selling were completely damaged due to sudden rain.As already farmers are agitating for reducing prices from Rs 14,500 to Rs 11,500 per quintal, the sudden rain left farmers in the gloom.

As almost season is ending, farmers are in hurry to sell their crops and as a reason they are bringing chilli to market yard every day and on Friday also brought bags in thousands.

Rain witnessed at least one hour and no place to shift chilly which was on floor said K Venkat Rao farmer. He also said ''we did not expect rain today and kept bags on the floor where there is no cover as all sheds packed by chilly crop already''.

L Laxmana Rao, farmer said my total bags got wet and no one came to purchase and entire hard work and investment gone. Hundreds of farmers kept crop on open places got damaged and there is no time to shift to other place said Ravi, a hamali in the market yard.

Not only chilli in market yard some paddy, cotton and red gram which is in fields got wet due to rain and farmers lost everything in many places in both districts.

Some places RTC bus stand, Mayuri centre and Vinoda talkies areas in Khammam town submerged with rainwater. Passengers and locals suffered a lot to travel in two feet depth water in these areas.