Heavy winds cause widespread crop damage in Sreemoolanagaram

Kochi: The strong winds that lashed Ernakulam on Sunday caused widespread crop damage in Sreemoolanagaram, with major damage reported in plantain and nutmeg cultivation sectors.A farmer, Kunjavaran, lost around 2,000 plantains cultivated on over 2 acres. He suffered the highest crop damage in the area. He planted the crop eyeing Onam sales. "I also lost tapioca crop to the heavy winds," he said. Agriculture department officials assess that farmers in the area might have lost around 400 nutmeg trees. They have started assessing the loss, and it will be completed by the end of the month. According to officials, farmers who insured their crops will get compensation. For a plantain plant with fruits, the farmer will get Rs 300 and Rs 150 for those without fruits. Meanwhile, if the farmer failed to insure the crop, he would get only Rs 100 and Rs 25 respectively. Officials said that nearby local bodies have also reported heavy damage to plantains and nutmeg crops.