06-06-2025
Heavy rain destroys crops in Kozhikode; farmers await compensation
The recent episodes of rain-related calamities have caused widespread destruction in the agriculture sector in Kozhikode district, forcing farmers to depend on crop insurance companies for compensation. According to preliminary estimates by the Agriculture department, crops on around 1,260 hectares of land have been destroyed.
Within just four days of the onset of the monsoon, nearly 2,000 farmers who had taken up seasonal farming in hopes of a good harvest during the Onam season suffered significant losses. The total damage in the district is estimated at ₹3 crore.
'Both Agriculture department officials and representatives of crop insurance companies have assessed the damage. However, there is still no confirmation on when the eligible compensation will be distributed. From our experience, it can take over a year to complete the formalities,' said Abdul Kabeer, a plantain farmer from Mavoor who suffered major losses. He added that around 3,000 plantain trees were destroyed in and around Mavoor village alone.
Revenue department officials said the highest loss was reported from Thodannur village, where about 240 hectares of cropped land were affected by torrential rains and strong winds, impacting over 1,800 farmers.
'Plantain farmers were the worst-hit, with approximately 4.53 lakh plantain trees destroyed across Kozhikode district. Some farmers had even taken up leased farming after availing bank loans,' said an Agriculture department official who participated in the field-level survey to estimate the loss. He also said that several paddy farmers suffered unexpected setbacks due to the heavy rain.
