Heavy rain coupled with high-velocity wind and hailstorm induced by Nor’wester wreaked havoc on standing crops in Nuapada district late Wednesday night.
Katapada area under Komna block in the area has been the worst affected. The farmers in the area cultivated vegetables like cabbage, tomato, onion and brinjal on several acres of land. The crops were almost ready to be harvested. However, dealing a huge blow to the farmers, the recent Nor’wester rain damaged the crops. Mainly, the hailstorm caused extensive damage to the crops in the area.
The farmers are now under severe mental stress following the development. They have now become helpless and worried about the repayment of loans taken from banks, friends and relatives to grow crops.
With no alternative in sight, the farmers have sought help from the Odisha government.
“We were expecting a very good harvest and handsome profit this time. However, all our hopes have been dashed due to the Nor’wester-induced hailstorm. Almost all of our crops have been damaged. Now, we are helpless. How will we repay our loans and make ends meet throughout the year?” rued Pandukata, a farmer from Katapada area.
“We had cultivated vegetables in around 50-60 acres of land. However, everything has been damaged in the hailstorm. We have no alternative left to make ends meet. We request the government to come forward and help us,” said Paramananda Kata, another farmer in the area.
No comments could be obtained from the district administration in this regard.