AGARTALA, April 23 (TIWN): The seasonal rains that lashed a large part of the state in the last couple of days has spelled doom for farmers as reports of extensive damage to crops are pouring in from many parts of the state.

March and April are the months when the rabi crop is harvested, but the rain in the last couple of days, accompanied by strong winds, has dashed the hopes of many farmers.

In Tripura paddy fields have been damaged with some places reporting rainwater flooding the fields.

The seasonal rain is also going to affect the yield of the king of fruits this season with many mango trees in Tripura being uprooted due to strong winds accompanying the rain.

The officials are still assessing the final impact on the output of paddy because of the current weather situation. They fear that if the rain last for another two to three days, the impact could be widespread.

"The government will have to take measures to offer relief to the farmers in such a situation," said an official. The immediate need right now is to drain excess water from paddy fields, the official added.

The officials admit that an accurate account of the damage would be made by the end of this week. But the reports so far have not been encouraging as the rain has covered a large geographical area at an inappropriate time. It can also impact prices of vegetables.

The officials said the biggest task of the state government would be to ensure that the prices of vegetables do not increase. But at the moment, they are staring at the worst.