Latest news with #S.Mohan
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Rail users seek diversion of express trains on the new Karaikal-Peralam BG section
With the 23.5-km Karaikal -Peralam new broadgauge electrified section cleared for operation of passenger services, the Nagore Nagapattinam Rail Users' Association has requested the Southern Railway to operate the Karaikal-Tambaram-Karaikal express; Karaikal-Bengaluru-Karaikal and and Karaikal-Mumbai LTT-Karaikal express trains from Velankanni and run them via Nagapattinam, Nagore, Karaikal, Thirunallar and Peralam. The diversion of the three trains via Karaikal and Peralam by operating from Velankanni will connect Mayiladuthurai Junction directly and there would be no need for loco reversal either at Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur, association president S. Mohan said. The diversion of the three trains on the Karaikal-Peralam section would also reduce journey time. At present, the three trains are operated from Karaikal via Nagore, Nagapattinam. and Tiruvarur. In a representation to Chief Passenger Transportation Manager, Southern Railway, the association secretary M.M.A.A. Sithiq said the diversion of the three trains would provide a shorter route and urged the railway administration to introduce a daily day time inter-city express between Velankanni and Tambaram via Nagapattinam, Nagore, Karaikal, and Thirunallar. While thanking the railways for laying the broadgauge line with electrification from Karaikal to Peralam, the association expressed hope that the line would be opened for passenger services soon. Mr. Sithiq said Velankanni, Nagore and Thirunallar attract devotees in large numbers daily and have great potential for operation of train services. Introduction of Velankanni-Salem Express in the afternoon, introduction of a daily morning express train from Puducherry to Velankanni; extension of the Villupuram-Mayiladuthurai-Villupuram train up to Velankanni were among the other demands of the association.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
Unseasonal rain, pest attack hits cashew yield in Nagapattinam district
Cashew farmers in Nagapattinam district are reporting a sharp drop in yield this season, with losses estimated between 40% and 50%, primarily due to unseasonal rains and pest infestations. Cashew is cultivated on over 5,000 acres in the district, with major cultivation being in Vedaranyam and Keezhaiyur. Farmers say the impact had been particularly distressing as the region had only recently begun to recover from the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gaja in 2018. 'After Cyclone Gaja, it took us years to revive cashew plantations. In the past few years, yields had started to improve. But this year, unseasonal rainfall combined with pest attacks has hit us hard,' said S. Mohan, a farmer from Vettaikaraniruppu. 'The flowers, fruits, and even leaves are turning black, and despite applying fertilisers, nearly half the yield has been lost,' he added. According to farmers, cashew fruits are fetching ₹20 to ₹25 a kg while cashew nuts are being sold at ₹110 to ₹120 a kg. 'Market prices are fair this year, but the reduced volume means farmers are unable to benefit,' said Mr. Mohan. Officials from the Horticulture Department in Nagapattinam acknowledged the situation. 'We have been advising farmers on timely application of fertilisers and other preventive measures. However, the unseasonal rains have compounded the issue, making pest management more difficult,' an official said.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
Unseason rain, pest attack hits cashew yield in Nagapattinam district
Cashew farmers in Nagapattinam district are reporting a sharp drop in yield this season, with losses estimated between 40% and 50%, primarily due to unseasonal rains and pest infestations. Cashew is cultivated on over 5,000 acres in the district, with major cultivation being in Vedaranyam and Keezhaiyur. Farmers say the impact had been particularly distressing as the region had only recently begun to recover from the extensive damage caused by Cyclone Gaja in 2018. 'After Cyclone Gaja, it took us years to revive cashew plantations. In the past few years, yields had started to improve. But this year, unseasonal rainfall combined with pest attacks has hit us hard,' said S. Mohan, a farmer from Vettaikaraniruppu. 'The flowers, fruits, and even leaves are turning black, and despite applying fertilisers, nearly half the yield has been lost,' he added. According to farmers, cashew fruits are fetching ₹20 to ₹25 a kg while cashew nuts are being sold at ₹110 to ₹120 a kg. 'Market prices are fair this year, but the reduced volume means farmers are unable to benefit,' said Mr. Mohan. Officials from the Horticulture Department in Nagapattinam acknowledged the situation. 'We have been advising farmers on timely application of fertilisers and other preventive measures. However, the unseasonal rains have compounded the issue, making pest management more difficult,' an official said.
