Hailstorm destroys standing crops in Western Orissa

Sambalpur, Mar 11 (UNI) Hailstorm accompanied by strong of wind and heavy rains damaged standing crops in most of the areas of Sambalpur and Bargarh districts of Western Orissa yesterday, official sources here today said.

Massive crop loss has been reported in the Gaisilet, Bargarh and Bijepur blocks of Bargarh district also.

Sources said vegetables such as tomatoes, brinjals, cauliflower and cabbage were badly damaged due to the hailstorms. The newly planted Dalua paddy also suffered loss due to the rain in Sambalpur and Bargarh districts, Deputy Director of Agriculture D C Pal said.

He said the growth of paddy would be delayed due to hailstorm adding that the total loss would be known by Monday.

Farmers said a particular variety of drought-resistant Mung (green gram) cultivated in large scale this year suffered badly due to the hailstorm.

The district authority had asked the Tehsildars of the affected areas to make a preliminary report on the extent of damages in their respective areas due to this untimely rains.

UNI XC/DP VD VC2002