Mango, paddy damaged by hailstorm

Paddy, maize, mango and other crops were affected due to gales and hailstorm that occurred across the district since Friday evening. Huge trees and electric poles were uprooted under the impact of strong winds.

Electricity supply was cut off for more than 12 hours in the district headquarters town. In fact, for the past few days, the electricity has been cut even during the day to lay new poles and draw wires. Gales caused damage to standing crops in Nizamabad rural, Renjal, Sirikonda, Rudrur, Varni, Dichpally, Darpally, Navipet, Nandipet and Makloor mandals, leaving farmers in dire straits.

Authorities have been collecting details of crop damage to prepare a comprehensive report for succor from government. In certain areas, paddy grains - on the verge of being harvested - fell to the ground. Turmeric brought to the marketyard here was drenched.

According to Agriculture Market Committee authorities, over 35,000 turmeric bags were stored in the market. Despite the provison of tarpaulin sheets, the crop could not be protected from the untimely rain. Since the server was down, trading did not happen as turmeric purchases are linked to e-nam.

As per the reports reaching here, mango was also affected in several mandals.