Banana Farmers Anxious As Cyclone Montha Nears Coast

KAKINADA: Banana, papaya and vegetable farmers are worried about the possible impact of Cyclone Montha on their crops as the Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall and strong winds. Many banana trees were uprooted in some parts of Konaseema due to strong winds.

According to the Meteorological Department, if the cyclone crosses the Kakinada coast, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely with wind speed up to 100-110 km per hour. The Konaseema region, known for banana and coconut cultivation, is expected to bear the brunt of the impact, with farmers fearing significant losses.

East Godavari district horticulture officer S. Mallikarjuna Rao appealed to farmers to be alert to cyclone warnings and follow the department’s recommendations to protect their crops. He said banana cultivation is spread over 1.60 lakh acres in the district and farmers should take preventive measures to minimize damage caused by strong winds and rains.

Rao advised farmers cultivating banana, papaya, vegetables and floriculture to immediately drain stagnant water from fields and provide support to trees. He said losses can be reduced by applying fertilizers such as urea and potassium immediately after rains, spraying plant protection chemicals and ensuring adequate air circulation.

He added that precautionary messages and weather updates were distributed through WhatsApp groups and support systems were established at mandal and village level to assist farmers.