THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Severe drought followed by heavy rains caused crop damage of Rs 500 crore in the state between March and June. This month's is not counted.

But even last year's compensation is outstanding. 40 crores still left to pay. The balance is inclusive of crop insurance amount. The agriculture department says that 6.2 crore will be distributed soon.

304.11 crores worth of crop damage due to drought alone this time. 200 crores in damage due to summer rains and subsequent monsoons. The time to apply for monsoon crop damage compensation has been extended till 31st of this month. A clear estimate will be available only after this. The government will officially announce the amount for this year. The move is to seek central assistance. Farmers are worried that the compensation will be delayed this time too. Three-quarters of them started farming by taking loans.

The districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Idukki, Kannur, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Palakkad and Wayanad were more damaged due to heavy rain. 155.5 crores was lost to paddy cultivation in Alappuzha alone.

156.65 crore in Idukki, the worst drought-hit region. Palakkad, Alappuzha, Malappuram and Kottayam districts are nearby. Banana and vegetable farmers were crying more. Cardamom and pepper farmers also suffered huge losses.

Crop destruction

Heat wave: 46,587 hectares

Heavy rainfall: 3,125 hectares

Rain affected farmers: 56,479

Drought affected: 6,479

Loss due to drought : 304.11 crores

Due to rain : 200 crores