Peramballur, Dec 8 (NationPress) Farmers in the Veppanthattai block, recognized as the largest maize-producing area in Tamil Nadu's Peramballur district, are facing significant losses due to weeks of relentless rainfall that has caused extensive damage to their crops. Hundreds of hectares of maize have been devastated, raising alarm among growers who are now insisting on an immediate evaluation of crop damage and rapid compensation disbursement.

This year, maize was sown on nearly 75,000 hectares throughout the district, with approximately 45,000 hectares covered by crop insurance. Planting commenced between the Tamil months of Aadi (mid-July) and Purattasi (mid-September), and much of the early-planted crop had matured, indicating a promising harvest season. However, the unceasing rain over the past month has drastically changed the outlook.

Despite the district experiencing below-average rainfall during the overall monsoon season, the persistent downpour in recent weeks has led to serious crop lodging, causing maize stalks to bend and collapse under saturated soil conditions.

The inundated fields have become unsuitable for mechanical harvesting, intensifying farmers' woes. In numerous areas, maize cobs have started sprouting on the plants themselves, making them unmarketable.

Farmers estimate that over 1,000 hectares of maize crops have been affected across several villages, including Krishnapuram, Annamangalam, Arumbavur, Thaluthalai, Viswakudi, Thondamandurai, and Arasalur.

Many growers have approached officials from the agriculture department, filing complaints and requesting prompt field inspections to gauge the extent of the damage. The losses are particularly devastating for those who heavily invested in their crops this season.

With escalating costs for seeds, fertilizers, labor, and irrigation, some farmers report expenditures nearing Rs 25,000 per acre. The anticipation of normal yields has now been replaced with fears of a drastic reduction in output.

In numerous flattened fields, yields are expected to plummet to less than half of the usual harvest, while in severely impacted locations, recovery appears unlikely.

Senior officials from the agriculture department have confirmed that reports have been received from several villages in the Veppanthattai block. Field inspections have already commenced in select areas, with officials assuring that comprehensive evaluations will be conducted across all affected regions.

Based on the findings, further actions regarding compensation and crop insurance claims are anticipated. As unpredictable weather continues to jeopardize the remaining crops, farmers are anxiously awaiting swift responses from authorities to mitigate additional losses and ensure timely relief.