📷 Image: The Hindu (via NewsData)
Agriculture
Cyclone Murasu Threatens Telangana Paddy Crops, Farmers Alarmed
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 02 Nov 2026, 07:39 AM
👁 19
Cyclone Murasu has left paddy fields in Telangana soaked, delaying harvest and raising machine costs. Farmers warn that pre‑flowering crops may suffer further damage as authorities distribute tarpaulins to protect the fields.
Cyclone Murasu has battered Telangana, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that left paddy fields saturated. The storm struck during the pre‑flowering stage of the crop, raising concerns among growers.
Farmers report that soaked panicles are delaying the harvest window, forcing them to wait longer for the crop to mature. This postponement increases the risk of disease and reduces the time available for mechanical harvesting.
In addition to moisture problems, the cost of operating harvest machines has risen because of the need for extra drying and labor. Farmers fear that higher machine costs and labor shortages could erode their already thin margins, especially as market prices for paddy remain high.
The state agriculture department has issued a cyclone alert and distributed protective tarpaulins to help shield fields from further wind damage. Despite these measures, growers warn that pre‑flowering crops could suffer more, particularly as high market prices add pressure.
Farmers report that soaked panicles are delaying the harvest window, forcing them to wait longer for the crop to mature. This postponement increases the risk of disease and reduces the time available for mechanical harvesting.
In addition to moisture problems, the cost of operating harvest machines has risen because of the need for extra drying and labor. Farmers fear that higher machine costs and labor shortages could erode their already thin margins, especially as market prices for paddy remain high.
The state agriculture department has issued a cyclone alert and distributed protective tarpaulins to help shield fields from further wind damage. Despite these measures, growers warn that pre‑flowering crops could suffer more, particularly as high market prices add pressure.