: The Department of Horticulture and Plantation Crops has assessed damage, in the first phase of survey, to 3,26,100 banana trees in Mettupalayam – Karamadai belt due to a strong gale accompanied by rain a week back.
Damage to the crop in 130.44 hectares was arrived at through a survey, and 247 staff deployed for the purpose also collected the necessary documents from the farmers for providing the compensation.
The gale had struck in farms at Chinnakallipatti, Sikkadasampalayam, Illuppanatham, Bellepalayam, Jadaiyampalayam, Sirumugai, Marudur, Velliangadu, Sarkarsamakulam, and Periyanayakkanpalayam.
Out of 8000 hectares under various horticultural crops, banana is grown on 3525 hectares on a large scale.
The survey carried out over a four-day duration, will continue to determine overall damage in the left-out locations.
The report has been sent to the government and the relief will be provided once sanctioned, District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar said in a press release.
The Horticulture Department has advised farmers to place logs in ‘X’ formation to protect the trees from withering, and to raise fences to control the wind speed.
Mulching of the soil was also necessary to prevent the tree from leaning, and the leaves at the lower level has to be pruned. Harvest could be carried out if the crop is mature, the department has emphasised.
Published – May 13, 2025 07:59 pm IST
