Crop loss compensation to farmers in next 4-5 days: Odisha Minister

The Odisha government has begun compensating farmers hit by recent unseasonal rains, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari informed on Tuesday. The Minister assured that all affected farmers will receive relief within the next four to five days.

The incessant downpours have ravaged crops in at least 14 Odisha districts, impacting about 6,66,720 farmers. Puri district has been the hardest hit, followed by Ganjam. Key crops including paddy, vegetables, groundnuts, and cotton have been destroyed.

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“We handed over Rs 292 Crore, on January 3, 2025, to the districts concerned as demanded based on assessed damage. Within the next four to five days, the compensation money from the Disaster Management department will reach the affected farmers,” the Minister said.

Worth mentioning, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi had announced on January 5 a financial assistance package of around Rs 291 Crore to support the farmers in Odisha affected by recent unseasonal rains. The adverse weather impacted over 6,66,000 farmers across the State leading to significant agricultural losses, the CM had expressed.

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For the first time in Odisha's political history, the Government has classified unseasonal rain as a natural calamity. This declaration is intended to expedite aid to those in the agricultural sector struggling with adverse conditions.

The Chief Minister had emphasised his government's commitment to improving irrigation facilities. This improvement forms part of a broader strategy to mitigate the challenges faced by farmers in the State due to inadequate water supply.