Cyclone Michong inflicts heavy damage on paddy crops in Bengal, Farmers face significant losses

The coastal districts of West Bengal, particularly South 24 Parganas, have been grappling with intermittent rain and strong winds over the last five days, courtesy of Cyclone Michaung's impact. This adverse weather has led to substantial damage to paddy crops, causing distress among farmers.

The areas severely affected include Namkhana, Sagar, Kakdweep, Diamond Harbour, Canning, and Basanti, where ripe paddy crops are at risk. Despite the challenges, farmers are engaged in a swift harvest to minimize losses.

Farmers like Subrata Pahari are working tirelessly to salvage the ripe paddy, as prolonged exposure to rainwater poses a threat to the crops. There's a growing concern that the rain-induced damage might lead to a spike in rice prices in the market. Kalyani Manna, expressing the worries of the farming community, highlights the significant losses suffered due to untimely rains, affecting both paddy and vegetable farmers.

With Cyclone Michong's continuous rainfall expected for another 24 hours, the risk of further crop losses in Bengal looms large. Notably, the cyclone has already claimed 18 lives in Chennai and Andhra Pradesh, with several areas grappling with floods.