Charilam, April 28 — A sudden and powerful Kalboisakhi storm early Tuesday morning has left a once-thriving sunflower garden in Tripura’s Charilam area severely damaged, dealing a major blow to farmer Chittaranjan Majumdar and his livelihood.
The garden, carefully nurtured over months, had recently emerged as a charming local tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the state. Known for its vibrant yellow blooms and scenic appeal, the spot had become especially popular among youngsters for selfies, social media reels, and leisure outings with friends and family.
However, the strong winds and abrupt downpour that accompanied the storm destroyed large portions of the garden within minutes. Many sunflower plants were uprooted or bent, while most of the blossoms were damaged beyond recovery, leaving the field in ruins.
For Majumdar, the garden was more than just a cultivation effort—it was his primary source of income. He had introduced a nominal entry fee of Rs 10 per visitor, while large sunflower blooms were sold at Rs 100 each and smaller ones at Rs 50. The combination of ticket collections and flower sales had provided him with a steady earning in recent weeks.
“All my hard work has been wiped out,” Majumdar said, expressing deep distress. He estimated that, had the storm not struck, he could have earned at least Rs 30,000 more from the remaining blooms. “This garden was my only source of income. Everything has been ruined. I appeal to the government for support,” he added.
The damage comes after two consecutive days of Kalboisakhi activity in the region, amplifying concerns among local farmers. Agricultural observers note that the increasing intensity and frequency of such storms are posing a serious threat to small and marginal farmers, particularly those engaged in delicate crops like flowers and vegetables.
As the region continues to grapple with unpredictable weather patterns, the incident has highlighted the vulnerability of farmers dependent on seasonal and climate-sensitive ventures, underscoring the urgent need for protective measures and timely assistance.
