The recent unseasonal rains in the Palamuru region have caused significant damage to the mango and paddy crops, resulting in a huge loss for farmers in the Kollapur, Wanaparthy, Alampur, and Nagarkurnool districts of Mahbubnagar. These districts are known for their mango crops, and the current season is crucial for flowering and grooming. However, the unseasonal rains, combined with heavy hail storms, have wreaked havoc in Nagarkurnool and Wanaparthy districts, damaging standing paddy crop and mango crop.
According to estimates, more than 70 percent of mango plantations, covering over 40,000 acres, have been damaged in Nagarkurnool district alone. The hail storms have caused flowers and small mangos to shed down, impacting the final yield significantly. In some places, heavy winds have uprooted trees, while in others, the mangoes have fallen due to the winds and hail storm, causing losses of crores of rupees to farmers.
The district administration of Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, and Gadwal districts have directed the concerned agriculture and horticulture officials to assess the damage caused by the recent rains. The officials are expected to submit a report on the same to the district Collectors soon.
In the past 24 hours, Nagarkurnool district alone has witnessed a rainfall of 283 millimeters. Metrological officials have predicted heavy to heavy rains along with high-speed winds and hail storms across Palamuru region. Farmers, shepherds, and others are advised to observe caution to avoid any damage or deaths due to hail storms and thunderbolts.