Rainfall in Odisha: Govt pledges compensation for affected farmers

At a time when farmers across the state are under severe mental stress after their hopes to reap a bumper harvest of paddy and vegetables dashed to the ground due to unseasonal rains, the state government has come to their rescue and announced that they will be compensated. 

Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari on Tuesday said the government is committed to compensating farmers for the losses suffered due to continuous rainfall. 

Addressing the plight of farmers whose paddy crops have been damaged, Minister Pujari assured that the government is prepared to facilitate the sale of their affected crops and provide the necessary financial reparations.

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Compensation will be delivered under existing guidelines, said the Minister adding the district administrations are ready to extend support to the agricultural community.

The Minister also urged the farmers not to feel daunted or burdened by the current circumstances, affirming the government's steadfast support for them during these trying times.

“It is unfortunate for Odisha that natural calamities are not sparing Odisha. After one unseasonal rain that caused huge damage to paddy crops in districts like Ganjam and Khurdha, another one is approaching. However, we have already started an assessment of crop loss in the first rain. The Agriculture and Revenue departments are working. The insurance companies have already been directed to be prepared to pay compensation to the farmers who have deposited premiums,” said Minister Pujari. 

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“I appeal to the farmers to remain alert and keep their paddy safe to avoid sprouting. There is no facility to keep harvested paddy safe in Odisha. The farmers have also no farmyards as they used to have in the past. So it is a new problem for Odisha and we have started thinking on it,” he said, adding “We are trying to find out ways how to get completely drenched paddy sold. And we are also attentive to disburse compensation as per the rule.”