Mahabubabad (Telangana), February 24: Untimely rains in parts of Telangana have caused damage to standing red chilli crops, leaving several farmers in distress. In Mahabubabad district, a farmer couple reported heavy losses after their harvested produce was soaked in sudden showers early Tuesday morning.
Banoth Anki and her husband Laxma Naik, who had taken five acres of agricultural land on lease, said they had invested nearly ₹5 lakh this season. According to the couple, chilli crop was cultivated on four acres, while paddy was grown on the remaining land.
Visuals circulating locally show the elderly couple attempting to dry the soaked chilli produce manually after the rains. Speaking on camera, Anki said the family had worked for months to raise the crop and now faces uncertainty following the damage.
Farmers in the district said unseasonal rainfall at the time of harvesting has affected produce quality and market prospects. They have urged the state authorities to conduct a crop loss assessment and provide compensation at the earliest.
Officials are yet to release a detailed estimate of the extent of crop damage across the district.
