Banana Farmers Anxious As Cyclone Montha Nears Coast

KAKINADA:  Banana, papaya, and vegetable farmers are anxious about the possible impact of Cyclone Montha on their crops as the weather department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall and strong winds. Many banana trees have already been uprooted due to gusty winds in parts of Konaseema.

According to the Meteorological Department, heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by wind speeds of 100–110 kmph is likely when the cyclone crosses the Kakinada coast. Konaseema district, known for its banana and coconut cultivation, is expected to bear the brunt of the impact, with farmers fearing significant losses.

East Godavari district horticulture officer S. Mallikarjuna Rao appealed to farmers to stay alert to the cyclone warnings and follow departmental advisories to safeguard their crops. He said banana cultivation extends across 1.60 lakh acres in the district and farmers should take preventive measures to minimise damage from strong winds and rains.

Rao advised banana, papaya, vegetable, and floriculture farmers to drain stagnant water from fields promptly and provide support to trees. Losses can be reduced by applying fertilisers like urea and potassium immediately after rainfall, spraying crop protection chemicals, and ensuring adequate air circulation, he said.

He added that precautionary messages and weather updates are being circulated through WhatsApp groups and that support systems have been established at the mandal and village levels to assist farmers.