New Delhi

AIADMK MP I S Inbadurai on Wednesday raised alarm in the Rajya Sabha over the severe agricultural destruction triggered by cyclone Ditwah in Tamil Nadu, urging the Centre to urgently send a team to assess the damage as vast stretches of cropland remain submerged.

Speaking during Zero Hour, Inbadurai said that the cyclone followed by heavy northeast monsoon showers has wiped out paddy, banana, sugarcane, betel and several other crops across the delta belt.

According to him, farming zones in Tirunelveli district — particularly Tenkashi and Ramanathapuram — are still underwater, threatening the survival of thousands of farm families.

He recalled former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami’s repeated appeals to the state government about the need to desilt ponds and dig canals ahead of the monsoon to prevent such large-scale damage. The AIADMK member alleged that crop losses have not been scientifically surveyed and that assistance has been slow to reach those affected.

Inbadurai stated that even after more than 10 days, water levels remain nearly two feet deep in many fields, worsening distress among farmers. He also highlighted procedural issues, saying a substantial number of cultivators occupy ancestral property where land titles have not been updated and remain in the names of deceased family members, preventing them from claiming crop insurance benefits.

He further said that Chennai continues to face two-foot waterlogging despite reported expenditure of ₹4 crore on drainage projects.

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Calling the situation “extremely grave,” Inbadurai appealed to the central government to send an expert team to Tamil Nadu without delay and ensure adequate relief and compensation for farmers who have lost their entire harvest.