Hyderabad : For months, Kisans in Telangana battled unfavorable seasonal conditions to harvest their rabi paddy. But just when they thought their struggles were over, untimely rains wreaked havoc on their hard-earned produce, further straining their already fragile finances.
The crash in open market prices for paddy added to their woes, while government procurement centers enforced strict moisture limits of below 17 percent, making selling a challenge. With no other option, farmers resorted to drying their paddy stock in the open, on highways and village roads- under the scorching sun, which sometimes reduced the grain’s weight by 10 percent.
Just as they braved one challenge, thunderstorms struck again, pushing them deeper into distress. In one such incident near Alinagar Road in Halia Mandal, Nalgonda district, a farmer’s family was desperately trying to shield their drying paddy from the rain. Much to their relief, a passing special police officer noticed their plight and rushed to their aid.
Acting swiftly, they helped cover the grain with tarpaulins, ensuring it was protected from further damage. This incident underscores the growing hardships farmers face due to erratic weather and procurement challenges. While community support can provide momentary relief, long-term solutions are crucial to safeguard their livelihoods.
