New Delhi, May 29: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are likely to witness heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over the next several days, prompting authorities to issue a detailed weather and agricultural advisory warning of possible damage to crops, livestock and fisheries across the Union Territory.
According to the weather warning issued for the Islands, heavy rainfall is expected between May 29 and May 31, while thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are likely to continue during the next five days.
Authorities warned that the prevailing weather conditions could severely affect agricultural operations, standing crops, nursery preparation and rural livelihoods if precautionary measures are not taken immediately.
An SMS advisory issued to residents urged people to ensure proper drainage arrangements, support banana plants vulnerable to strong winds, avoid spraying activities and field operations during adverse weather, and keep livestock in protected shelters.
The advisory highlighted concerns over possible waterlogging, crop damage and disease spread under prolonged humid and rainy conditions across different farming sectors in the Islands.
For paddy cultivation, officials warned that thunderstorms, intermittent rainfall and gusty winds could delay pre-nursery and nursery preparation work. Temporary water stagnation in low-lying areas may damage uncovered seed material and affect seedling emergence.
Farmers have been advised to procure quality paddy seeds from ICAR-CIARI or the Department of Agriculture and prepare raised nursery beds with adequate drainage channels to prevent water accumulation. Authorities also advised farmers to avoid fertilizer application and field operations during thunderstorms and lightning events.
Banana plantations at the fruiting stage are considered highly vulnerable to strong winds and heavy rain, with risks including pseudostem bending, uprooting, bunch damage and root loosening due to saturated soil conditions.
Farmers cultivating banana crops have been advised to provide bamboo support to fruiting plants, maintain proper drainage and remove severely damaged leaves to reduce fungal infections during humid weather.
Fruit crops such as mango, guava and sapota are also expected to face increased risk of premature fruit drop, branch breakage and pest attacks due to thunderstorms and strong winds. Farmers have been advised to safely dispose of fallen and infested fruits through pit burial and avoid pruning or spraying during rainy periods.
The advisory further warned that newly planted spice crops and vegetable plantations may suffer from lodging, root exposure, waterlogging, stem breakage and fungal diseases due to continuous rainfall and wind activity.
Livestock owners have been asked not to keep animals under trees, electric poles or unstable structures during thunderstorms. Authorities also advised maintaining dry shelters, ensuring clean drinking water and storing animal feed in moisture-free conditions to reduce health risks.
In the fisheries sector, heavy rainfall runoff may affect pond water quality, reduce dissolved oxygen levels and increase disease risk among fish stock. Fish farmers have been directed to strengthen pond bunds and drainage outlets to prevent overflow and fish escape.
Authorities also advised fish farmers to reduce feeding during cloudy conditions and monitor brood fish management carefully during fluctuating weather conditions.
The advisory comes at a time when the southwest monsoon is gradually intensifying over the Bay of Bengal region, increasing the risk of weather-related disruptions across the Islands.
