Gadwal, Telangana – In a tragic blow to local agriculture, paddy farmers in Mandoddi village, located in Rajoli mandal, are facing devastating losses. Sudden, unseasonal rains during the crucial Yasangi (Rabi) harvest season have destroyed large quantities of harvested paddy.
Thousands of quintals of grain were left out in the open, stored in traditional kallams (makeshift heaps in fields). The unexpected downpour drenched the paddy and even washed some of it away completely.
The farmers say the damage could have been avoided. They blame the disaster on the delay in government procurement. Despite repeated requests, officials failed to collect the grain on time. A lack of gunny bags and alleged political interference in the grain collection process made things worse.
The rains began on Sunday evening and lasted through the night. With no proper storage or cover, the paddy was left exposed. What should have been safely in warehouses was instead ruined in muddy fields.
“We worked hard for months, and now it’s all gone,” said one heartbroken farmer. Many others broke down in tears while speaking to local media. They feel abandoned by the authorities.
Farmers are now urging the government to act quickly. They want the remaining grain, even the wet and damaged paddy, to be purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). For many, this is their only income.
With the harvest season finished and no clear answers from procurement officials, the farming community fears a complete financial collapse. They are asking for emergency relief measures and a better system to handle such crises in the future.
This disaster highlights the urgent need for timely grain procurement, proper storage infrastructure, and disaster readiness to protect the backbone of our food system — the farmers.
Local leaders and district officials are being called upon to visit the affected areas and take swift action before the situation worsens.
