The simmering summer heat has not only taken a toll on the quantity and quality of drinking water being supplied in the district, but has also dented the hopes of farmers, especially banana cultivators, with standing crops in around 134.84 hectares withering.
As the district faces a “40 per cent deficit in summer rain” and an “above normal temperature,” crop loss has been reported from Edava, Venganoor, Thiruvallam, Vellarada, Kattakada, Uzhamalakkal, Ulloor, Tholikkode, Poovachal, Perumbazhathoor, Nagaroor, Athiannoor, Kilimanoor, Attingal, Kazhakuttam, Pothencode, Kulathoor, Maranalloor, Vizhinjam, Vellanad and Chenkal.
2.5 lakh banana plants
Field visits by Agriculture Department officials revealed substantial damage to banana, pepper, rubber and vegetables.
Principal Agriculture Officer V. Subha said crops on 134.84 hectares of land withered due to the prolonged dry spell and unprecedented rise in mercury level.
More than 2.5 lakh banana plants wilted completely.
“This seems to be one of the worst summers. We are still in the middle of the summer and if the mercury level fails to come down and rain continues to elude, the damage will be more. We are still collecting details from field officers. A detailed report will be sent to the government for further action,” she said.
“Only 10 per cent of the farmers who have lost the crops has enrolled for the insurance scheme,” she said. In 2014, standing crops on over 69 hectares were damaged due to summer heat, she added.
Substantial damage to banana, pepper, rubber, vegetables
Atmospheric conditions not conducive to summer rain
