Madurai, March 22 -- Farmers in Sholavandan near Madurai have sought government assistance after a hailstorm damaged standing paddy crops just days before harvest, leaving many facing financial distress.

According to local farmers, the second cultivation season had shown signs of recovery after an earlier setback due to insufficient rainfall. However, the hailstorm submerged large portions of the crop, affecting yields and disrupting harvest plans. Many farmers had invested heavily in the second crop cycle after incurring losses in the first season.

Murugesan, a farmer from Sholavandan, described the situation and the challenges faced by cultivators in the region. "We are from Sholavandan, and agriculture is our only source of livelihoo...