Continuous rainfall over the past week in Doddaballapur taluk has wreaked havoc on flower crops, particularly chrysanthemums and ornamental flowers, leaving farmers in distress just ahead of the Deepavali festival. The persistent downpours have caused extensive damage, undermining hopes for good returns during this critical market period.
In Narasimhanahalli village, farmers Srikant and Narasegowda are grappling with the grim reality of having to uproot and dispose of their Celosia ornamental flower plants. These plants have rotted due to the relentless rains, forcing the farmers to abandon their hard work. “We invested approximately ₹8 lakh to cultivate Celosia ornamental flowers on one acre of land. These flowers were intended for export to cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Hyderabad through Kempegowda International Airport. Given that they are ornamental flowers, we anticipated premium prices, especially during the festival season. However, the continuous downpour has completely destroyed our crop. Now we have no choice but to uproot the plants and discard them,” lamented the distressed farmers.
The emotional toll on these farmers is profound. Having nurtured their plants for three months, they describe their attachment to the crops as akin to raising children. Narasegowda expressed his frustration with the Horticulture Department’s lack of responsiveness. “Despite informing the horticulture department officials about our crop loss, they haven’t even conducted a courtesy visit for inspection. Expecting crop loss compensation from such officials seems like a distant dream,” he said, highlighting the farmers’ feelings of neglect in a time of crisis.
The timing of this disaster is particularly unfortunate, as these flowers were specifically cultivated for the Deepavali festival market, when demand and prices typically surge. The loss not only impacts the current crop but also raises concerns about the future of flower cultivation in the region. Farmers fear that the ongoing adverse weather conditions could lead to further setbacks, jeopardising their livelihoods.
The economic repercussions extend beyond individual farmers; the local economy, which relies on the flower trade, could face significant challenges if these losses continue. The community is now calling for immediate intervention and support from authorities to address their plight and mitigate the impact of such weather events in the future.
The severe rainfall in Doddaballapur taluk serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by farmers in the region. As they navigate the challenges posed by nature, the need for effective support and intervention from agricultural departments is more critical than ever.
Farmers are calling for timely assistance and compensation to help them recover from these devastating losses and sustain their livelihoods. The government and relevant authorities must take proactive steps to support affected farmers, ensuring that such incidents do not threaten the future of flower cultivation in the region.