Unprecedented rain damages betel leaves plants in Sholavandan

Unprecedented rain damages betel leaves plants in Sholavandan

The unprecedented rain accompanied by heavy winds that was thought to have brought a relief to Madurai people from the soaring summer heat has damaged crops, especially betel leaves plants in areas of Sholavandan and nearby villages.  

The summer rain, which came down heavily as hailstorm in many parts of the district, though was enjoyed by majority of the people, became a worrying factor for the Sholavandan betel leaves farmers who were waiting for cultivation by the end of the season.  

S. Maranatan, Vetrilai Kodikal Vivasayigal Sangam (Betel leaves Climbers’ Farmers Association), said that when the plants have already crossed the one-and-a-half-year mark for partial cultivation, the heavy wind that blew through the area collapsed the supporting structures resulting in the snapping of mature vines.  

“When betel vines reach the one-and-a-half-year mark, they are at their peak height and weight. Because these vines are heavy and rely mostly on fragile Agathi (Sesbania) support, they are extremely vulnerable to high-velocity winds,” he explained. 

In this situation, the unseasonal rain and wind became the reason for the total damage of at least 10 acres of betel leaves farm in the area.  

N. Nehru Pandi, a farmer of Mullipallam, who has grown betel leaves on an acre, said at least half of it would have been damaged with the heavy winds.