Frustrated over the heavy damage to the standing watermelon crops inflicted by the recent unseasonal rain accompanied by hailstorm triggered under the influence of the western disturbance, a farmer in Bargarh district has run over the remaining cultivation with a tractor.
As per reports, Khirod Suna from Kudopali village under Pamapur block in the district had cultivated watermelon on three acres of land. He had borrowed Rs 95,000 and invested the amount in the cultivation with the hope that he will make a good profit this year.
The plants were laden with fruits and flowers and were almost ready for the harvest. However, the recent heavy rain accompanied by hailstorm due to western disturbance adversely affected the cultivation. Most of the fruit that was almost ready for harvest was damaged completely. The stems of the plants were also damaged due to the hailstorm. As a result, Suna’s hope of a high yield was shattered.
The loss of crop pushed Suna into distress. After being clueless about how to repay the loans, Suna ran over the remaining watermelon cultivation using a tractor.
“I had worked so hard and was hopeful of a good harvest. However, my dream has been completely shattered due to the unseasonal rain and hailstorm,” said Suna.
“I have borrowed Rs 95,000 to invest in watermelon cultivation. Following the damage to the crops, I am clueless about how to repay the loan. The distress sale of watermelons has also added to the woes. I had no option left but to destroy the remaining crops and plough my land to start cultivating a new crop again,” said Suna.
(Reported by Somesh Mohanty, OTV)