Odisha Chief Minister and Ministers Evaluate Crop Damage Caused by Unseasonal Rainfall

Odisha's Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, visited three districts on Sunday to evaluate crop damage caused by recent unseasonal rain. He assured farmers of government support and extended the deadline for crop damage claims to Monday. Farmers in coastal Odisha have been significantly impacted by the rain since December 20, he noted during a press briefing in Ganjam district.

Majhi, along with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, visited paddy fields in Nayagarh, Gajapati, and Ganjam districts to interact with affected farmers. Odisha Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy joined Majhi in the Ranpur assembly segment to assess the rain-induced damage. The chief minister plans to urge the Centre to include unseasonal rain under the disaster and relief code.

Government Response and Assistance

The state experienced two phases of rain between December 20 and 28, damaging paddy crops, vegetables, cotton, and betel leaf. "Our government is sympathetic towards the plight of farmers and will provide assistance after assessment of the damage," Majhi stated. The government is considering aid for farmers whose crops are uninsured under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima scheme, as well as sharecroppers.

Farmers are encouraged to report crop damage via the ‘Krishi Rakshak’ App or by calling the toll-free number 14447. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati met with distressed farmers in Bhadrak and Balasore districts, while another Deputy Chief Minister, KV Singh Deo, visited rainfall-affected areas in Niali Block, Cuttack.

Political Visits and Demands

Singh Deo also assessed damage in Jagatsinghpur district. Food Supply Minister KC Patra visited Kendrapada and Jajpur districts, while Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samant met farmers in Khurda district. The Odisha government has committed to assisting all affected farmers, insured or not, according to state and central norms through direct benefit transfer (DBT).

BJD president and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik is set to visit Ganjam district on Monday to evaluate crop damage. On Tuesday, Patnaik will continue his visits to Puri, Cuttack, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur, as stated by the LoP office.

Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam demanded an additional two-day extension for farmers' crop damage claims to ensure all affected growers receive assistance. This request highlights the ongoing challenges faced by farmers due to unseasonal weather conditions.