A dry spell and scant seasonal rains have posed a threat to Vadamalli farmers in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The lack of sufficient precipitation has led to a water crisis, impacting the cultivation of flowering plants in Thondamuthur Block. Traditionally reliant on rain-fed farming, these farmers are facing challenges as their crops, crucial for the Onam market, are at risk.
Covering over 500 acres in villages like Vadivelampalayam and Kalimangalam, the Vadamalli crop, known for its festive demand during Onam, is wilting due to the prolonged dry weather. Despite requiring less irrigation than other crops, the moisture stress is pushing these plants to their limits.
Farmers like R. Karthikeyan are witnessing their crops deteriorate daily, with no respite from the dry conditions. The absence of monsoon rains has left the fields parched, endangering the survival of the crops. The cultivation cost of Vadamalli stands at Rs 30,000 per acre, encompassing various expenses, but the lack of irrigation facilities is exacerbating the situation.
S. Manikandan, another farmer, highlighted the additional challenge of wild animals encroaching on the fields due to the drought. The scarcity of food and water in forest areas has forced animals like wild boars to feed on the weakened plants, compounding the farmers’ losses. The impact of the dry spell extends beyond Vadamalli to other crops like maize, toor dal, broad beans, and pumpkins, all suffering due to insufficient rainfall.
As production is expected to decline significantly, farmers fear a drop in flower supply from Coimbatore during the Onam season, potentially leading to higher market prices. They are calling on the Tamil Nadu government to evaluate the crop damage and provide compensation, especially to small-scale farmers severely affected by the prolonged lack of rain.
