Unseasonal rainfall in Ramanathapuram has severely impacted chilli cultivation, with fungal disease affecting nearly 1,000 hectares. Farmers, already reeling from December’s floods that inundated 9,200 hectares, are now facing fresh losses after replanting in January. The March rains created humidity issues, leading to widespread fungal infection. Many farmers, like M Ramanujam from Mudukulathur, report massive revenue losses, earning only ₹25,000 instead of the expected ₹1 lakh. Farmers urge the state government to expedite compensation, as many are yet to receive relief for earlier damages. A horticulture department official confirmed ongoing efforts to distribute compensation.