Karaikal Farmers Await Compensation After Severe Crop Loss in 2025-26 Season

Karaikal farmers are waiting for relief from the Puducherry government after large-scale crop damage caused by the northeast monsoon and Cyclone Ditwah during the 2025–26 paddy harvesting season. Across Karaikal region, nearly 4,500 hectares of cultivated land have been affected, leaving farming families under heavy financial stress at the peak of harvest time.

The current season saw the cultivation of samba and thaladi paddy across thousands of hectares. Farmers planted both high-yielding and traditional rice varieties, expecting a stable harvest. However, repeated spells of excess rainfall, followed by cyclone-related flooding, severely impacted standing crops just weeks before harvesting could begin.

Many farmers say this season has been one of the most challenging in recent years, as unpredictable weather patterns damaged crops that were otherwise healthy and ready for harvest.

Karaikal Farmers Face Heavy Losses After Months of Investment

Farmers in Karaikal report that they invested heavily in the season, spending at least ₹30,000 per acre on seeds, fertilisers, labour, irrigation, and crop protection. High-yielding varieties such as CR 1009, BPT, and IR 20 were widely cultivated alongside traditional rice varieties including Karuppu Kavuni, Mappillai Samba, Seeraga Samba, Thanga Samba, and Kichadi Samba.

As the crops matured, prolonged rainfall led to waterlogging in many fields. In several areas, farmers observed black spot disease, which caused grain hardening and affected both yield quantity and quality. This has reduced market value and made harvesting economically unviable in some cases.

Farmers say the timing of the damage has worsened their situation. With most expenses already incurred and income now uncertain, many are struggling to repay loans taken for cultivation. Small and marginal farmers, in particular, fear slipping into debt as they have little savings to absorb such losses.

Farmer representatives have stated that climate changes and repeated weather extremes are increasing production risks, making government intervention more critical than ever.

Karaikal Farmers Urge Puducherry Government to Act Quickly

Farmers have urged the Puducherry government to announce relief compensation at the earliest, pointing out that neighbouring Tamil Nadu has already declared financial assistance for farmers affected by similar weather conditions. They say timely compensation is essential not only to cover losses but also to prepare for the next agricultural season.

According to farmer associations, delayed relief could discourage cultivation in the coming months, affecting food production and rural livelihoods. They have requested that compensation be announced before the Republic Day period, allowing farmers some financial stability and confidence to continue farming.

Officials from the agriculture department have confirmed that a detailed assessment report on submerged and damaged crops has been submitted to the government. The report includes data on areas affected by monsoon rains and cyclone-related flooding. Authorities say that further action will depend on decisions taken at higher levels.

Farmers, however, remain anxious as past experiences have shown that delays in compensation often worsen their economic condition. With rising input costs and unstable weather patterns, they argue that swift administrative response is no longer optional but necessary. Also Read: Doctor Booked in Tamil Nadu After Court-Ordered Hospital Demolition Move in 2026

The situation in Karaikal highlights the growing vulnerability of agriculture to extreme weather and the urgent need for responsive relief mechanisms. For many farming families, government support at this stage could determine whether they recover or fall deeper into financial hardship.

Conclusion

For Karaikal farmers, the 2025–26 season has brought uncertainty instead of reward. As crops lie damaged and expenses remain unpaid, timely relief from the Puducherry government has become crucial to protect livelihoods and sustain farming in the region.