Maize production is expected to cross 30,000 tonnes this year. Maize was sown in 13,000 acres in Khammam and Bhadradri districts and the extent of the irrigated dry crop is increasing by the year. Farmers at large in Mudigonda, Kusumanchi, Bonakal, Errupalem and Chintakani mandals in Khammam district and Allapalli, Sattupalli, Yellandu, Tekulapalli, Mulakalapalli and Chandrugonda mandals in Bhadradri district opted to sow maize. The crop is now at harvesting stage and his is creating tension among the farmers as they remember the horrible experiences of last year. Delayed lifting led to crop getting damaged in the fields due to rains last year. The resultant losses were put at around Rs 5 crore. The delayed lifting also forced farmers to stay at the lifting centres over three days or more. Private traders, who cashed in on the the situation, bought the damaged maize at throwaway prices.