Torrential Rains in South India Fear Crop Damage

23-Oct-2025 06:05 PM

Chennai. Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds are expected to cause some damage to Kharif crops in peninsular South India as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal intensifies into a depression and moves landward, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to the southern peninsular India.

Paddy harvesting is underway in Tamil Nadu, with significant supply and government procurement in key markets in major producing districts. Stocks of paddy procured at government procurement centers are sitting on the ground, and the moisture content may increase due to the rain.

In addition to Tamil Nadu, rain is also being reported in several areas of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry, and Telangana.

While the situation is generally satisfactory in areas experiencing moderate or light rainfall or thunderstorms, the risk of damage to Kharif crops is increasing in areas experiencing heavy or extremely heavy rainfall.

The harvesting season for small (green) cardamom is currently underway in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This rain is likely to affect the quality of cardamom seeds. Meanwhile, the turmeric and red pepper crops in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka may also be affected.

After the departure of the southwest monsoon, the northeast monsoon has begun to be active, and is expected to continue until the end of December.

It is noteworthy that this northeast monsoon activity has traditionally resulted in heavy rainfall in South India, which helps in the sowing of Rabi crops there.

This rain is expected to benefit the pepper crop in Kerala and Karnataka. The rain is expected to continue for the next few days.