Unseasonal rainfall in Odisha: Farmers protest over crop damage

Hundreds of farmers in Paralakhemundi of Gajapati district staged a protest on Thursday by forcibly entering the District Collector's office, demanding swift action and compensation for their crops damaged due to unseasonal rains.

The protest, marked by farmers carrying visibly damaged crops, highlighted widespread agricultural losses in the district caused by the unseasonal rainfall. The farmers' demonstration was aimed at presenting their demands directly to the District Collector, seeking attention and immediate intervention for the crisis.

Farmers have been largely affected by the recent unseasonal heavy downpours, which have led to substantial damage to their yield, crucial for their livelihood. Delays in the opening of procurement centres, known as 'mandis', have exacerbated their plight, leaving harvested produce to rot, farmers alleged.

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“We are demanding compensation for our damaged crops. We want to ask the administration why they have not opened the mandi in our locality yet? They had told us they would give us gunny bags on December 20. Why they have not supplied the bags yet?” asked an agitating farmer.  

In response, the District Collector acknowledged the farmers' grievances. He said they have assured the farmers that their concerns are being heard and necessary steps will be undertaken promptly.

“The team comprising staff from the Agriculture, RI, Revenue and Horticulture departments have started the survey work from today. The statistics team has also been directed to carry out a survey. This will help farmers at the time of claiming insurance.  We have also sent a report to the government and we will take steps as per the direction of the government,” said Rajendra Minj, Additional District Magistrate.

(Reported by Adarsh Das)