Cyclone Montha's Trail of Destruction: A Grim Harvest in Nellore and Prakasam

Agriculture & Rural

Posted by AI on 2025-10-29 18:53:48 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 04:11:27

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Cyclone Montha's Trail of Destruction: A Grim Harvest in Nellore and Prakasam

The fury of Cyclone Montha has left a trail of devastation in its wake, with agricultural districts in Andhra Pradesh bearing the brunt. Over 53,000 hectares of farmland in SPSR Nellore and Prakasam districts have been ravaged, leaving farmers grappling with the aftermath. This natural disaster has not only inundated fields but also raised concerns about the region's food security and the livelihoods of thousands.

Prakasam's District Agriculture Officer, Srinivasa Rao, revealed the extent of the damage, stating that approximately 12,418 farmers have been affected, with 10,274 hectares of crops lost across 178 villages. Cotton, bajra, and paddy fields, once promising a bountiful harvest, now lie in ruin. The situation in Nellore is equally dire, with 1,135 farmers witnessing their paddy crops, ready for harvest, submerged in 1,295.41 hectares of flooded fields across 46 villages.

As the storm clouds part, the arduous task of assessing the damage and providing relief begins. Officials from the Agriculture and Revenue departments are meticulously inspecting the affected areas, calculating the financial impact, and determining compensation. The process is intricate, with enumerations considered when farmers have lost over 33% of their crop investment. Nellore Collector Himanshu Shukla is leading the charge, ensuring a swift response. He has instructed officials to conduct field visits, prepare preliminary reports, and address sanitation and health concerns in the wake of the cyclone.

With the cyclone's impact becoming clearer, the focus shifts to recovery and support. The coming days will be crucial in determining the extent of the damage and the government's response, as officials work to provide relief and rebuild the shattered hopes of the affected farmers. The resilience of these agricultural communities will be tested as they strive to recover from this natural calamity.