Crab invasion leaves Palakkad paddy fields in crisis, halting farmers’ planting efforts.

Farmers in Chittilancheri, Palakkad, are facing a severe crisis as crabs are causing widespread destruction in paddy fields, making it impossible for them to replant rice seedlings. The problem is especially acute in the Puthenthara paddy cluster under the Melarkode Krishi Bhavan, where crabs have been cutting down newly planted rice saplings, particularly targeting the base of the plants. This attack comes after the crops had already survived heavy rains, but now, due to the crabs, the plants are rotting and dying.

Farmers report that the situation is so dire that they cannot proceed with replanting. The recent heavy rains are believed to have contributed to the surge in the crab population. Normally, after ploughing, birds would arrive and feed on the crabs, keeping their numbers in check. However, this year, farmers say there are fewer birds, which has allowed the crab population to increase unchecked.

The heavy rainfall has also washed away rice plants in several areas, compounding the damage. Crabs are attacking multiple sections of the fields, and even if farmers attempt to replant, the harvest is likely to be uneven and unpredictable. Many have tried various pesticides, but none have proved effective so far. Agricultural officials have recommended using a granular pesticide called Cartap, either mixed with oilcake and spread along the field boundaries or, in severe cases, applying 5 kg per acre and closing the field channels for three day.

Farmers are now in a state of uncertainty, unsure how to protect their crops or proceed with cultivation, as the crab menace continues to threaten their livelihoods.

Read more at: https://www.manoramaonline.com/district-news/palakkad/2025/07/02/kerala-farmers-face-crab-problem.html