In the Annamayya district, the inclement weather has made it impossible for mango farmers to garner profits from their produce. Unseasonal rains in November and December last year -during the flowering stage- delayed the harvesting of the fruit. Normally, mangoes are harvested in the month of March. This year, it began only in May. In the meanwhile, cyclone Asani came as a rude shock for farmers who thought they could make good returns on the produce once the harvesting is done.
Now, distressed farmers are dumping the produce in canals and streams as traders are not willing to buy the damaged fruit. One farmer from Siddavatam dumped seven tons of mangoes in a canal after failing to sell them.
Strong winds due to the cyclone damaged mango trees in Rayachoti, Ramapuram, Lakkireddypalle, Veeraballi, Sundupalli, Gaaliveedu, Sambepalli. Farmers of the cyclone affected areas have tried to sell the mangoes in Rayachoti mango Mandi, but the traders refused to purchase the damaged fruit. Hence, they have resorted to dump the produce as they are not in a position to afford the transportation charges.
Source: newindianexpress.com