Weather’s Dual Impact on Paddy in Chhattisgarh

Raipur | Correspondent: The paddy crop in Chhattisgarh is facing severe challenges due to erratic weather conditions. On one hand, areas experiencing intense sunshine are witnessing a sharp rise in stem borer infestations. On the other, heavy rains in several parts of the state have caused paddy crops that had already developed ears to collapse and become submerged in water, further threatening the yield.

Meteorologists have warned of more heavy rainfall across many regions of the state in the coming five to six days. The state weather department has issued a yellow alert, cautioning farmers of the potential risk to crops.

Farmers are deeply concerned that prolonged rain could completely ruin their paddy fields. Once the paddy ears are submerged for too long, the crops rot, leading to total loss.

This season, particularly in districts like Rajnandgaon, Kabirdham, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagadh Chowki, Balod, and Durg, heavy downpours over the weekend resulted in the early-ripening paddy crops toppling over. The paddy that had developed ears was hit hardest, with the plants lying submerged in water.

Stem Borer Infestation

In contrast, regions suffering from rain deficits are facing their own unique struggles. High humidity, resulting from the absence of sufficient rainfall, has accelerated the spread of stem borers across the paddy fields. The insect has devastated crops in areas like Bemetara, Mungeli, and Khairagarh.

Farmers in these areas are reporting that their usual methods for controlling the stem borer infestations are no longer effective.

Pesticides that once protected crops for up to a month are now proving inadequate, forcing farmers to re-spray their fields within just two weeks.

Adding to the farmers’ woes is the rising sale of counterfeit pesticides. Many farmers complain that they have been sold fake or substandard pesticides, which fail to deliver the expected results, further aggravating the pest problem. Despite repeated complaints, little action has been taken to address the issue.

This has led to a loss of both labor and money, as farmers struggle to protect their crops from both pests and weather.

Farmers are calling for urgent intervention from agricultural authorities to address both the weather challenges and the unchecked sale of fake pesticides, which are compounding the difficulties in saving their crops this season.

This year’s unpredictable weather has made paddy cultivation exceptionally difficult, leaving farmers across the state in dire straits. Without timely action, many may face devastating losses.