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Tripura Heavy Rain Damages Crops: 33,000 Farmers Hit, Rs 59 Crore Loss

Heavy rainfall across Tripura from April 27-29 has caused widespread damage to agriculture, affecting over 33,000 farmers. The estimated crop loss is Rs 59.17 crore, with 6,105 hectares of standing crops impacted. South Tripura is the worst-hit district, accounting for 10,470 metric tonnes of crop loss. The government has deployed quick response teams and advised farmers to adopt crop rotation strategies for recovery.

Key Points: Tripura Rain: 33,000 Farmers Affected, Rs 59 Crore Crop Loss

  • 33,000 farmers affected across Tripura
  • Crop loss estimated at Rs 59.17 crore
  • 6,105 hectares of standing crops damaged
  • South Tripura worst-hit with 10,470 metric tonnes loss
2 min read

Tripura: Heavy rain hits agriculture; 33,000 farmers affected, Rs 59 crore loss​

Heavy rain in Tripura damages 6,105 hectares of crops, affecting 33,000 farmers with Rs 59.17 crore loss. Minister Ratan Lal Nath outlines relief measures.

"Farmers remain the backbone of the economy and their welfare is essential to the state's overall development - Ratan Lal Nath"

Agartala, May 2

Heavy rainfall across Tripura over three days has caused widespread damage to agriculture and horticulture, affecting over 33,000 farmers and leading to an estimated crop loss worth Rs 59.17 crore, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Saturday.

The state, during April 27-29, recorded an average rainfall of 133.9 mm, with the highest precipitation in Kamalpur (283 mm) in Dhalai district, followed by Bishramganj (278 mm) in Sepahijala district and Khowai (230 mm) in Khowai district.

Out of the total 58,540 hectares of standing crops, around 6,105 hectares have been affected, according to preliminary assessments. The anticipated production loss stands at 21,635 metric tonnes, the minister said.

Among the eight districts, South Tripura is the worst-hit, accounting for 10,470 metric tonnes of crop loss, while Khowai reported the lowest loss at 463 metric tonnes.

Highlighting the government's response, Nath said that state, district, and subdivision-level nodal officers have been appointed to implement disaster management plans. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have also been deployed for immediate action.

Field officials have been put on alert to assess crop damage using geo-tagging technology. Priority is being given to drainage management to remove excess water, especially from paddy and vegetable fields.

To support recovery, farmers are advised to adopt crop rotation strategies tailored to their land conditions. Suggested alternatives include pulses such as arhar and cowpea, oilseeds such as sesamum, maize, leafy vegetables, and millets, including foxtail and finger millet.

Reaffirming the government's commitment, Nath said that farmers remain the backbone of the economy and that their welfare is essential to the state's overall development.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department, Meteorological Centre, Agartala, has predicted that heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at one or two places over North, Unakoti, Dhalai, Khowai, and West districts of Tripura during the next seven days.

The India Meteorological Department said that thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph are very likely to occur at one or two places over the North, Unakoti, Dhalai, Khowai, and West districts of Tripura.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My heart goes out to those 33,000 farmers and their families. Losing Rs 59 crore worth of crops in just three days of rain is devastating. I hope the government's Quick Response Teams actually reach the ground and help with drainage. The crop rotation idea with pulses and oilseeds is practical, but farmers need immediate relief first. 🥺
A
Arjun K
Why does this keep happening every year? Our disaster preparedness is still weak. 133.9 mm average rainfall and 6,105 hectares affected? That's a lot. The minister says they've appointed nodal officers and QRTs, but will they really make a difference? I'm skeptical. Let's see if the compensation reaches the farmers or gets stuck in bureaucracy.
R
Rohit P
South Tripura bearing the brunt with 10,470 MT loss! That's massive. The suggestion to switch to arhar, cowpea, and millets is smart - these are hardy crops. But farmers have already invested in paddy and vegetables. The government should also provide free seeds for these alternative crops. And they need to control the open market prices so farmers don't get exploited. 💪
K
Kavya N
I respect the minister saying farmers are the backbone, but words aren't enough. Geo-tagging technology for assessment sounds good if it's used properly. But with more heavy rain predicted for next week, the worst might not be over. The state needs to set up emergency relief camps and ensure food supplies for affected families. Praying for Tripura's farmers 🙏

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