Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Cause Major Crop Damage in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh
Farmers in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, are facing severe crop damage due to heavy rain and strong winds over the past two days. Approximately 60% of sugarcane and 70% of paddy crops have been affected.
Impact on Crops
The continuous rain has led to waterlogged fields, while strong winds have caused widespread crop damage. In many areas, sugarcane crops have completely fallen over, and paddy fields are underwater. Farmers are particularly worried about potential diseases affecting their sugarcane crops, which could lead to further losses.
Expert Opinion
Dr. Rajendra Pal Singh, the district agriculture officer, stated, “The rain has been relentless, and the fields are filled with water. The strong winds have caused the crops to fall, leading to significant damage. The sugarcane and paddy crops are severely affected.”
Dr. Singh explained that the rain, expected to last until September 15, has caused considerable disruption. “This time, the rain has been unusually long and heavy. Strong winds accompanying the rain have led to many crops, especially sugarcane and paddy, lying on the ground. In many fields I visited, both sugarcane and paddy crops are seen lying flat, causing extensive damage to farmers,” he said.
Future Concerns
Dr. Singh noted that while some crops might recover once the soil dries out, ongoing rain could worsen the situation. “When the rain stops, some crops might recover as the soil becomes loose and the roots re-establish. However, if the rain continues as forecasted, with an additional 2-3 days of rain expected, it will pose a significant problem for farmers. The continuous wet conditions are particularly damaging to small vegetables and flowers,” he added.
Specific Crop Impact
Vegetables such as onions, coriander, and cauliflower are suffering the most. These small crops are highly affected by waterlogging and can rot quickly. In contrast, sugarcane is more resilient. Although there is some damage, it is less severe compared to other crops. Nevertheless, even with sugarcane, there is potential for reduced yields.
Government Response
The district authorities are assessing the damage and considering possible assistance measures for affected farmers. Dr. Singh assured that the government would look into providing support if the losses are extensive. “We are evaluating the situation and will consider government assistance if the losses are significant. For now, farmers are advised to use alternative measures to protect their crops and minimise further damage,” he added.
Doubts Revealed
Moradabad -: Moradabad is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is known for its brass handicrafts and is located in the northern part of the country.
Uttar Pradesh -: Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India. It is the most populous state in the country and has many important cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi.
sugarcane -: Sugarcane is a tall tropical plant that is grown for its sweet juice, which is used to make sugar. It is an important crop in many parts of India.
paddy crops -: Paddy crops refer to rice plants that are grown in flooded fields called paddies. Rice is a staple food in many parts of India.
Dr. Rajendra Pal Singh -: Dr. Rajendra Pal Singh is the district agriculture officer in Moradabad. He is responsible for overseeing agricultural activities and helping farmers in the district.
district agriculture officer -: A district agriculture officer is a government official who helps farmers with their crops and provides advice on farming techniques. They also assess crop damage and help with relief measures.
coriander -: Coriander is a herb that is commonly used in Indian cooking. It has a fresh, citrusy flavor and is used in many dishes.
cauliflower -: Cauliflower is a vegetable that looks like a white version of broccoli. It is used in many Indian dishes and is known for its mild flavor.
assessing the damage -: Assessing the damage means checking how much harm has been done to the crops. The government officials look at the fields and talk to farmers to understand the extent of the damage.
assistance measures -: Assistance measures are actions taken by the government to help farmers who have suffered crop damage. This can include financial help, providing seeds, or other support to help them recover.
