A severe pest infestation has returned to devastate coconut plantations in the Uddanam region of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, pushing thousands of farmers into distress over plummeting yields and poor crop quality.
Extent of the Infestation and Impact on Yield
The rugose spiralling whitefly (RSW) has attacked nearly 50% of coconut plantations across the mandals of Sompeta, Mandasa, Palasa, and Vajrapu Kotturu. This widespread infestation has drastically reduced output, with farmers reporting that the yield per acre has fallen from a historical range of 800-1,000 coconuts to just 400-500. The Uddanam region, often called Konaseema in north coastal Andhra, is the epicenter of this crisis, with over 60,000 acres under coconut cultivation.
Livelihoods and Supply Chain in Peril
The agricultural disaster threatens the economic stability of a vast community. Over 1.5 lakh farmers, labourers, and traders depend directly on the coconut farming ecosystem in Uddanam. This region is a crucial supplier of tender coconut to markets in northern Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. The supply shortage has already caused market prices to soar unexpectedly. "Usually, the cost shoots up in peak summer. But, in winter, tender coconut is selling for around ₹50 a piece due to short supply in local markets," noted Gopi K, a resident of Visakhapatnam.
Calls for Action and Official Response
As plantations succumb to the rapidly spreading pest, farmers are urgently appealing for government support to avert deep financial losses. "We have been appealing to the govt to take immediate measures to rescue the farmers of Uddanam," stated Pudi Kiran Kumar, president of the Srikakulam Youth Congress. Meanwhile, officials from the horticulture department highlighted that RSW infection peaks during summer and winter. The pest attacks by sucking plant juices and leaves behind a white, fungus-like mould. They emphasized that farmers need to take collective steps to control the outbreak, even as they await more substantial intervention.
The situation remains critical, with the region's primary agricultural product and the livelihoods it supports hanging in the balance.
