Banana plantations in 361 hectares spread over Mahanandi and Sirivella mandals suffered extensive damage because of strong gales under the influence of cyclone Fani on Wednesday.
Apart from banana, marigold in a few hectares also suffered vast damage.
“Preliminary estimates have put the crop loss at ₹14.69 crore,” said horticulture officials.
Over 500 farmers, who lost their crop, were demanding compensation and higher input subsidy to offset the loss.
Sources said that small and marginal farmers who did not insure their crops would be hit hard.
Major crop
“Banana is a major crop in Mahanandi mandal. With the crop suffering huge damage, the price of banana may shoot up by ₹5 to ₹10 in the short run because of lack of supply,” said an official. When contacted, Horticulture AD Raghunath Reddy told The Hindu that a detailed report would be submitted to the government soon.
Winds brought misery to people in other parts of the district as well. Electricity poles collapsed at Dhone, Banaganpalle, and Koilakuntla mandals. In Kurnool city, a few billboards were damaged.