Hundreds of plantains and vegetables such as spinach ready for harvesting in Kalliyoor village have been submerged as Vellayani lake breached its banks in the recent heavy rains. The fields, especially in Pandarakkari and adjacent farms, were flooded and the farmers are still counting the losses.
A Nedinjal farmer said: “This is the fourth time that our crops are getting damaged due to flooding in the region. Previously, we had planted about 500 plantains but those were damaged in the heavy rain. Apart from plantains, vegetables such as spinach, which were ready for harvesting, were completely damaged.”
He also highlighted that despite the repeated crop losses in heavy rain and flooding, the authorities haven’t taken any action to mitigate the yearly occurrence.
Pandarakkari and adjacent Mangalakkari farms, which were submerged, were recently visited by Agriculture Department officials to assess the losses. “Paddy, tapioca and other crops are cultivated in this area. If the rain continues for three days, the area gets totally submerged in water. This has been happening for decades,” said one agriculture officer.
Source - https://www.freshplaza.com