Agriculture minister P Prasad wants Idukki to be declared drought-hit. But a section of farmers alleged that the crop loss assessment is nothing but speculation and the actual losses might be far greater than reported.
Published May 17, 2024 | 10:43 AM ⚊ Updated May 17, 2024 | 10:43 AM
Ministers P Prasad and Roshy Augustine at Idukki
A glimmer of hope emerged for Idukki’s farmers as Minister for Agriculture P Prasad visited the district on 16 May, to assess crop losses caused by the harsh summer.
The visit came after the Department of Agriculture reported significant damage, with over 17,481 hectares of farmland ravaged, affecting more than 30,183 farmers.
The worst hit was cardamom farmers, with cultivation on an estimated 16,220 hectares destroyed, impacting 22,311 farmers. The total crop loss for the district ahs been estimated at a staggering ₹175.54 crore.
Following a meeting with farmer representatives, Minister Prasad emphasised the need for immediate central intervention.
A drought-hit cardamom farm in Idukki.
He urged the Centre to declare Idukki drought-hit, a move that would pave the way for significant relief packages to be made available to affected farmers.
“The widespread losses suffered by our farmers in Idukki are a cause of grave concern,” stated Prasad.
“Declaring the district drought-hit is crucial to ensure our farmers receive the support they urgently need. We are committed to working closely with the Centre to expedite this process,” he said.
“The Centre, as well as the Commodity Boards (five statutory boards under the Department of Commerce), should initiate the process to declare the district drought-hit,” the minister added.
He also said that the existing provisions/stipulations shouldn’t become an impediment to declaring Idukki drought-hit.
The minister further said that the since the model code of conduct has been in force, immediate interventions could be ensured through the officers concerned.
The minister, accompanied by Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine and higher officials of the Agriculture Department visited Kumali Vellaramkunnu, Vallakkadavu, Suvarna Giri, and Kanjiyar.
The team also held talks with farmers’ association representatives and people’s representatives at Kattappana.
However, allegations surfaced that the figures presented by the department were a mere fraction of the true extent of the damage.
Minister P Prasad during meeting with farmer representatives and others
Many farmers claimed that they had not been contacted by officials during the assessment process, casting doubt on the accuracy of the reported numbers.
Furthermore, there was widespread discontent among farmers who asserted that they were unaware of Minister Prasad’s visit to the region, highlighting a lack of communication between authorities and the farming community.
“We have 6,000 farmers in the district. No one said that they were approached by the Agriculture Department officials to assess the loss. So, the actual losses might be far greater than reported,” Fedin Mathew a cardamom farmer, told South First.
At the same time, another cardamom farmer Kriss Kuriakose told to South First that he was unaware of the minister’s visit.
“He might have visited party strongholds and met farmers who are affiliated to the party,” he said. Kuriakose felt the crop loss statistics of the department was mere speculation.
The scorching heat, coupled with scant rainfall, has wreaked havoc on agricultural lands, leaving a trail of devastation.
Cardamom, a major cash crop in Idukki, has suffered immensely. The story is similar for other crops like vegetables, pepper, and even staple foods like plantain and paddy.
The scorching heat has stressed plants, stunted growth, and reduced yields. Many farmers struggled to find sufficient water for irrigation, with some areas facing water rationing even for drinking purposes.
The financial losses are significant, and the emotional toll is undeniable.
According to the farmers, while the upcoming monsoon offers a glimmer of hope, a full recovery will require not just rain, but substantial support and long-term planning to adapt to a changing climate.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
