Unprecedented rain damages betel leaves plants in Sholavandan

The unprecedented rain accompanied by heavy winds that was thought to have brought a relief to Madurai people from the soaring summer heat has damaged crops, especially betel leaves plants in areas of Sholavandan and nearby villages.  

The summer rain, which came down heavily as hailstorm in many parts of the district, though was enjoyed by majority of the people, became a worrying factor for the Sholavandan betel leaves farmers who were waiting for cultivation by the end of the season.  

S. Maranatan, Vetrilai Kodikal Vivasayigal Sangam (Betel leaves Climbers’ Farmers Association), said that when the plants have already crossed the one-and-a-half-year mark for partial cultivation, the heavy wind that blew through the area collapsed the supporting structures resulting in the snapping of mature vines.