Due to the destructive cyclonic storm Montha, SPSR Nellore and Prakasam districts received an average rainfall of 128 mm and 180 mm respectively. According to preliminary estimates, crops in more than 53,000 hectares have been damaged in recent days after agricultural fields were flooded in both districts.
Speaking to The Hindu, Prakasam District Agriculture Office (DAO) Srinivasa Rao said that nearly 12,418 farmers have been affected due to the cyclone. “Of the total 51,931 hectares, 10,274 hectares witnessed crop loss in 178 villages in the district. Cotton, bajra and paddy were the most affected crops.”
Similarly, Nellore DAO P. Satya Vani said 1,135 farmers faced crop loss due to heavy rainfall. Crops that were at harvest stage in 1,295.41 hectares in 46 municipalities of the district were inundated. Paddy is the only crop sown in most agricultural fields, she informed.
Meanwhile, officials have begun assessing crop damage in monetary terms. Officials of the agriculture and revenue departments have jointly inspected the fields, followed the estimates of the affected acreage and will decide on the details of the compensation. Generally, the tally is calculated by officials if farmers have lost more than 33% of their investment in the crop.
Nellore Collector Himanshu Shukla held a review meeting with officials of various departments on the post-cyclone situation on Wednesday. He directed the staff to immediately conduct field visits and prepare preliminary reports to estimate the damage in the district.
“Since the rains have stopped, special attention should be paid to sanitation in the villages. All precautionary measures should be taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Necessary medical tests should be conducted for those in rehabilitation centers,” he said and directed officials to identify areas where roads and culverts were damaged and prepare reports.
Published – 29 Oct 2025 20:07 IST
