Huge damage to crops has been reported from various parts of Howrah after being badly hit by severe cyclonic storm Bulbul. The damage was caused by heavy rains and gusty winds from Friday to Sunday.
Most of the damages have been reported from various blocks in Shyampur, Bagnan, Amta and Udaynarayanpur. Rice, mustard and various types of vegetables have been damaged due to the storm. Cabbage, cauliflower and other leafy vegetables have especially been affected due to the stem rot induced by standing water of the rains.
The storm has damaged rice plantations in the same blocks. Rice “lodging” is known to highly reduce the crop yield. Overall 62,000 hectares were under rice cultivation and 12,000-15,000 hectares under vegetable cultivation in the district this season, most of which are feared to have suffered heavy damage.
Crops in these same blocks had suffered damage earlier this year due to flooding in the monsoon. However, officials of the state agriculture have said that crops in some regions (such as Shyampur- Bagnan area) will be less affected as the soil is somewhat sandy. Sandy soils are known to drain out the accumulated water relatively quickly.
Potatoes – which were to be sown with the advent of winter – will now be delayed as it is an underground crop, and can’t be cultivated in waterlogged conditions.
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