Four farmers died and several others were injured in Mancherial district, Telangana, due to unexpectedly strong winds and rainfall that struck paddy procurement centres on May 13, 2024. The incident occurred during peak procurement hours, leaving hundreds of farmers exposed to the sudden weather change.
The deceased farmers were waiting with their harvested paddy at procurement centres in Indaram and Kotapalli mandals. The strong winds caused temporary structures at the centres to collapse, leading to the fatalities. Authorities confirmed the deaths and initiated relief measures. Injured farmers were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The state government announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased farmers. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed condolences and directed officials to provide immediate assistance to the affected families. District officials are assessing the damage to paddy stocks and infrastructure at the procurement centres.
The sudden weather event has raised concerns about the safety and preparedness of procurement centres during the monsoon season. Farmers and officials are urging for better infrastructure, including permanent structures and weather warning systems, at these centres to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The incident highlights the vulnerability of farmers during the procurement process and the need for improved safety measures.
The procurement process, already facing challenges due to delayed arrivals and logistical issues, has been further disrupted by the incident. Authorities are working to resume procurement operations while ensuring the safety of farmers and staff. The focus is on providing support to the bereaved families and addressing the concerns of farmers regarding crop loss and procurement delays. The event underscores the importance of proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with adverse weather conditions during agricultural operations.
