IDUKKI: As heavy rain lashes several parts of Idukki, farmers in the district’s high-range vegetable belt are staring at a season of disappointment. Vattavada and Kanthalloor, known for their winter vegetable cultivation, have received little rain for nearly two months, leaving crops raised for the Onam market withering in the fields.
The contrast is particularly striking in Vattavada, where farmers in areas including Pazhathottam, Chilanthiyar and Koviloor are struggling to keep their crops alive.
The region has experienced daytime temperatures of around 22°C over the past two days, adding to the stress caused by the prolonged dry spell. The lack of rain has also triggered a drinking water shortage in the area.
Garlic cultivated for the Onam season has been among the worst affected, with much of the crop partially dried up. “There is a slight shortage of water for drinking and agriculture.
The water shortage has severely affected garlic. Everything has been affected, but garlic has been affected the most,” said Azhakesh K G, a farmer in Vattavada.
The situation is similar in Kanthalloor, where the local climatic conditions resemble those of adjoining Tamil Nadu, resulting in lower rainfall compared with several other parts of Kerala.