TV
Even as the water level of the Subarnarekha river has dropped below the danger mark, the plight of farmers in Balasore’s Jaleswar area shows no sign of easing. Vast stretches of farmland remain waterlogged, leaving standing paddy crops severely damaged.
According to reports, more than seven days have passed since the floodwaters began to recede, yet agricultural fields remain submerged. In several areas, paddy saplings have been completely ruined, sparking fear of heavy crop loss. Farmers lament that while the river’s water level has come down, their farmlands are still drowning in stagnant water.
In Bhograi block alone, nine panchayats comprising 62 villages have been affected. This year, around 10,000 hectares of land in the block had been planted with paddy, much of which now faces destruction due to continuous waterlogging.
Farmers say their hopes of a good harvest have been shattered, as waterlogged fields make re-sowing impossible. With crops damaged and livelihoods at stake, they have urged the administration to take immediate steps to drain the water and announce compensation.
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“We sowed the paddy 15 days ago, but the flood has ruined everything. I have taken a loan of Rs 50,000 for farming on my three acres of land,” said a farmer.
Echoing the same, another farmer said, “I did farming on my two-acre land. It will take another 5-6 days for the water to recede. The waterlogging has destroyed our farming.”
