Cyclone Ditwah continues to disrupt open-field vegetable production across parts of India, with growers reporting halted harvests, field access constraints, and losses in crops at the marketable stage. In Andhra Pradesh, prolonged rain in the Rayalaseema belt has interrupted tomato harvesting, with growers unable to enter fields. "We can't enter the fields for at least three to four days," said Ramu, a farmer from Chottor. "Tomatoes ready for picking are drenched and rotting. If this rain continues, half our crop will be lost." Current retail prices of tomatoes at US$0.60 to US$0.75 per kilogram are projected to exceed US$1.20 if conditions persist.
Harvesting across the joint Chittoor district, which includes Tirupati, Chittoor, and Madanapalle, has stopped since early in the week. Analysts report reduced arrivals and quality issues linked to moisture damage and brown spotting. "Tomato prices touching ₹100 is very likely," said senior agriculture marketing analyst M. Srinivasu. In Rythu Bazaars, retail prices have risen from ₹25 to ₹30 to more than ₹45. Wholesale markets report reduced inflows and a higher share of damaged lots.
In Tamil Nadu's Mayiladuthurai district, heavy rain associated with the same system has inundated 80.25 hectares of horticultural land, affecting 111 growers, according to preliminary Horticulture Department data. Vegetable crops account for 32.4 hectares of the affected area, including 10 hectares of tapioca, 7.2 hectares of brinjal, 6.7 hectares of bhendi, 4 hectares of amaranthus, 3.5 hectares of gourds and cucumber, and one hectare of green chilli. Most of these crops were near harvest or in peak growth stage, leaving 49 growers with losses.
Banana production has also been hit, with 48 growers reporting damage. Banana is vulnerable to waterlogging and wind, particularly close to harvest. P. Prabhakaran, a grower from Aarupathi in Tharangambadi taluk, said heavy winds flattened plants on his 1.2-hectare plot. "Around 450 banana trees were flattened, and the crop is beyond recovery," he said. He noted that periodic severe weather events can disrupt incomes for growers with long-duration crops.
Plantation crops over five hectares, including coconut, turmeric, and ginger, have been affected.
Field teams are continuing assessments in Mayiladuthurai to establish crop-wise and village-level reports. A consolidated proposal will be submitted to the district administration for processing compensation under the State Disaster Response Fund norms and crop insurance schemes.
Source 1: The Hindu
Source 2: The Times of India
