Banana farmers in Semmarikulam panchayat near Meignanapuram have been forced to harvest their crops by boat after relentless monsoon rains left their farmlands completely submerged. Water levels in the low-lying area have already reached more than four feet and are expected to rise above eight, leaving large portions of the village inaccessible. Semmarikulam, situated in Tiruchendur taluk, is a natural water catchment zone where farmers primarily grow banana alongside smaller areas of paddy and papaya. Over the past two weeks, continuous rainfall has inundated the fields, severely damaging crops—especially those planted later in the season. Farmers typically plant bananas in January and harvest them by October or November, but this year's flooding has disrupted the cycle.
Farmer Sakthivel told TNIE that the lack of a proper drainage canal causes rainwater to stagnate in the fields, and he urged the government to construct one. Another farmer, R. Kuttimani, said the prolonged flooding has caused bananas to rot, forcing growers to harvest urgently. Because many farmers could not reach their land, the Semmarikulam Farmers Association arranged boats to carry out the harvest. Association members said floodwaters entered through an illegal shutter at Vadalivilai on the Sadayaneri canal and called for it to be closed permanently. Revenue officials confirmed that crops across more than 160 hectares are affected and said assessments will be conducted to provide compensation.
Source: www.newindianexpress.com
