Rain inundates over 80 hectares of horticulture crop in Mayiladuthurai

Heavy rain triggered by Cyclone Ditwah has caused extensive damage to horticulture crops across Mayiladuthurai district, with the Horticulture Department estimating that 80.25 hectares of cultivated land have been inundated. As many as 111 farmers have been affected, according to a preliminary assessment.

Vegetable growers are among the worst hit, with 32.4 hectares of crops under water. The affected area includes 10 hectares of tapioca, 7.2 hectares of brinjal, 6.7 hectares of bhendi, 4 hectares of amaranthus, 3.5 hectares of gourds and cucumber, and 7one hectare of green chilli. Many of these crops were either nearing harvest or at peak growth stage, leaving 49 farmers facing substantial losses.

Banana plantations have also suffered severe damage, affecting 48 farmers. Officials point out that banana, with its long crop duration and high input cost, is particularly vulnerable to waterlogging and wind damage, and that several fields close to harvest are likely to suffer near-total loss.

P. Prabhakaran, a banana cultivator from Aarupathi in Tharangambadi taluk, had raised the crop on three acres, hoping to harvest during the Karthigai Deepam season and in the following month. However, heavy winds on Saturday night uprooted and toppled a large number of plants. “Around 450 banana trees were flattened, and the crop is beyond recovery,” he said, adding that while farmers invest in banana expecting steady returns, “a single spell of extreme weather every couple of years is enough to wipe out everything and disrupt our livelihoods.”

Flower cultivators reported losses over 5.75 hectares, including 2 hectares of chrysanthemum and marigold, 3 hectares of crossandra and tuberose, and 0.75 hectares of jasmine, affecting nine farmers. Among plantation crops, 5 hectares — comprising 4 hectares of coconut, 0.5 hectare of turmeric and 0.5 hectare of ginger — have been damaged, impacting three farmers.

Horticulture Department officials say field-level teams are continuing inspections to firm up crop-wise and village-wise damage reports. A consolidated proposal will be submitted to the district administration for processing compensation under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms and relevant crop insurance schemes.