THOOTHUKUDI: Farmers in the Kovilpatti division of Thoothukudi district are distressed after chilli and coriander crops were damaged by severe white frost on January 21, according to a report by Daily Thanthi.
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Early-morning frost has led to blight and leaf spot diseases in chilli plants, causing them to wilt. Coriander crops, now in the flowering stage, have also been affected by fungal infections triggered by the frost, farmers said.
Though onions, chillies and coriander are usually grown only in irrigated areas, farmers in the Kovilpatti division cultivate these crops in rain-fed lands as well. The soil found in Kovilpatti, Pudur, Vilathikulam and Ettayapuram, which is rich in iron and calcium, supports such cultivation. Produce from the region is known for its taste and resistance to disease, and farmers sow chilli seeds at a rate of seven measures per acre.
Last year, Margazhi rains (December–January) provided much-needed moisture for chilli, as well as for later-sown coriander and sunflower crops. This year, however, the absence of rain during the period has added to farmers’ worries.
Across rain-fed areas of the Kovilpatti division, including Kovilpatti, Ettayapuram, Kazhugumalai, Kayathar, Ottapidaram, Vilathikulam and Pudur, farmers had raised black gram, green gram, maize, small onions, chillies and coriander on around 30,000 acres.
With the lands now dry, farmers said rain is crucial for the survival of sunflower, chilli and coriander crops. They added that a salty breeze from the south-east is usually needed to help plants recover from frost-related diseases. However, only northerly winds have been prevailing so far, worsening the spread of infections.
In several villages, farmers are also struggling to sell shallots. Despite the harvest, poor prices have forced many to leave the crop unharvested, with plants wilting in the fields. An abundant supply of onions from Rasipuram and Anthiyur has caused prices to crash, and traders are not coming forward to buy the produce.
Recalling their efforts earlier in the season, farmers said they had tilled the land, applied basal fertiliser and sown seeds following the Purattasi monsoon (September–October).
Depending on soil moisture, the seeds germinated within five to 13 days. After 15 to 20 days, weeds were removed, top-dressing fertiliser was applied to promote growth, and pesticides were sprayed to protect crops from wind-borne diseases and support flowering.
Varadarajan, president of the Karisal Bhoomi Farmers’ Association, appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to conduct a survey of the affected areas and extend assistance to rain-fed farmers on humanitarian grounds.