Hyderabad: Cyclone Arnab rain affected Khammam district, which borders Andhra Pradesh, after a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a cyclone. Strong winds swept across the district from Wednesday morning until evening. Light showers began before dawn on Thursday, followed by moderate rain in Khammam city and several mandals after 9 am.
The rain caused minor inconvenience to employees travelling to government and private offices, as well as students heading to schools and colleges. However, many residents welcomed the showers after a prolonged dry spell.
Farmers, on the other hand, expressed concern because several crops had reached crucial stages ahead of harvest. Paddy and cotton, the district’s major kharif crops, faced potential risks if the rainfall intensified.
Cyclone Arnab rain puts paddy and cotton at risk
Farmers preparing to harvest paddy feared that heavier rain could soak standing crops and damage the grain. Wet conditions could complicate harvesting and threaten the quality of produce ready for collection.
Cotton growers also worried about the timing of the showers. Rain during picking could affect cotton quality and potentially reduce yields. With the duration of the wet spell uncertain, farmers continued to monitor weather conditions.
The rainfall could nevertheless benefit crops that needed a final round of moisture. Fields affected by earlier dry conditions may gain from the additional water, provided the rain remains moderate.
This has left farmers weighing the possible benefits against the threat to crops nearing harvest. While some welcomed the moisture, others feared losses if the showers continued or grew heavier.
The weather department had reportedly warned that the system could weaken into a depression after crossing the coast and bring widespread rainfall. Khammam could also experience its effects. Farmers remained concerned about the possible impact on paddy and cotton if rainfall increased in the coming days.