Unseasonal rains damage paddy crop in Odisha
The Hindu
Fields ready for harvest have been hit by heavy rains across the State
The incessant rain lashing several parts of Odisha has reportedly damaged the standing paddy crop just before harvest. Farmers were particularly affected in Ganjam, Balasore, Puri, Khordha, Kendrapara and Nayagarh districts. Highest rainfall of 137.6 mm was recorded in Chhattrapur in Ganjam district followed by 135.2 mm in Aska.
While harvesting has begun in western Odisha districts, paddy is usually harvested in the coastal districts from second week of December. With India Meteorological Department predicting more rain, farmers keep their fingers crossed.
Keeping the possible damage to paddy crop in mind, Special Relief Commission on Saturday advised farmers to shift their harvested paddy to safe places and stack under suitable cover to avoid further loss.