Two more Odisha farmers die over crop loss due to unseasonal rains

The devastating impact of unseasonal rains continues to wreak havoc on Odisha’s farming community. Following two tragic deaths of farmers in Ganjam and Kendrapara districts, another two farmers from Jajpur and Kendrapara districts died on Saturday.

As per reports, a farmer from Chikana village under Binjharpur block in Jajpur district lost his life after witnessing the destruction of his crops.

The deceased has been identified as Manibhadra Mohanty.

Manibhadra reportedly grew paddy crops on three acres of land by borrowing money. However, his hopes were dashed following the crop damage due to the unseasonal torrential rain. Manibhadra fell unconscious on the ground after witnessing the destruction of his crops.

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He was immediately rushed to Binjharpur hospital by the local people. However, doctors declared him brought dead.

Similarly, a sharecropper in Kendrapara reportedly ended his life after consuming pesticide. He has been identified as Daitari Jena, a resident of Kosida village under Derabis police station in the district.

Daitari is believed to have taken this step due to distress over significant crop damage caused by the excessive unseasonal rainfall.

Jena had acquired a loan to cultivate paddy on leased land. However, persistent unseasonal downpours devastated his crop, pushing him into severe financial strain. According to his family members, on the 23rd of this month, Jena had consumed pesticide and was subsequently rushed to a local hospital. Despite medical intervention, he sadly succumbed to the poison.

The tragic incident highlights the plight of farmers in Odisha, many of whom operate as sharecroppers and are heavily reliant on loans. The loss of crops due to adverse weather can have devastating consequences for their financial and mental well-being.

The local authorities have been informed, and the police from the Derabis jurisdiction are conducting further investigations into the matter.

“My father was crestfallen after watching the damaged crops due to the unseasonal rain. He came under severe pressure as we had taken a hefty amount of loan to cultivate the crop. When we were away from home, he had consumed pesticide. He could not save his life despite our best effort,” rued Raghunath Jena, deceased Daitari’s son.