Berhampur: Unseasonal rainfall since Tuesday evening has further destroyed crops in Ganjam district, compounding losses of farmers from last week’s downpour that had already damaged near-harvest paddy crops.
The district recorded an average rainfall of 19.37 mm over 24 hours until 8 am on Wednesday. Patrapur block received the highest rainfall of 41mm, followed by Purushottampur (36 mm), Belaguntha (30.8mm), and Rangeilunda (24mm).
“What farmers salvaged from last weekend’s rain has been destroyed by the fresh spell,” said Bhairaba Nayak, a retired senior agriculture officer. He warned that fallen paddy crop would suffer irreparable damage.
Smeer Pradhan, a farmer of Takarada in Sheragada block, said, “My entire crop is submerged. I was expecting a bumper harvest, but repeated rainfall has washed away all hopes.”
The damage extends to standing non-paddy and vegetable crops. Former zilla parishad member Brundaban Khatei said that without govt compensation, farmers might be forced to seek employment in other states.
Chief district agriculture officer (CDAO) R N Panda said the fresh rainfall would increase crop losses. The ongoing damage assessment survey by agriculture, horticulture and revenue officers has slowed down but continues despite the inclement weather, he said.
Berhampur MP Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy urged the govt to provide adequate compensation to affected farmers and relax the fair average quality (FAQ) standards for crop procurement. “Govt must understand the plight of farmers, particularly in Ganjam and Gajapati districts,” he said.