Alappuzha: Paddy farmers in Chennithala and Mannar panchayats are facing a fresh setback after heavy rainfall triggered severe waterlogging, destroying their newly sown summer crop.

The worst affected is the six-acre paddy field in the 3rd Block polders of Chennithala panchayat, where nearly 280 kg of seeds supplied by the Chennithala Agriculture Office were completely ruined in the floods, said M Rajan Valuparambil, secretary of Block 3 polders.

The loss, coming at the very start of the cultivation season, has left farmers deeply distressed. Similar damage due to flooding has been reported from the Vettatheri polders in Block 9 and the Edappunja Kizhakku polders in Mannar.

With their seeds washed away, farmers are now being forced to purchase fresh seeds at significantly higher prices, raising concerns that the entire cultivation schedule may be pushed back further.

Yet to receive compensation
Last year too, farmers were compelled to purchase seeds at steep rates after the seeds distributed by authorities failed to germinate, placing an additional burden on them. Unexpected weather changes also triggered bund breaches, disrupting cultivation preparations at the start of the season last year.

Adding to their frustration, farmers say they have yet to receive compensation for losses suffered in previous years.