Untimely rain wreaks havoc on paddy fields in Kalahandi; adds to farmers’ woes

Paddy cultivation in Odisha's Kalahandi was severely affected due to an unseasonal spell of rain that occurred on Sunday. With paddy mandis yet to be opened, farmers in the district are in utter distress and many of them expressed their anguish on Monday.

Also Read: Lapses in paddy procurement in mandis to invite stringent action: Odisha Minister

According to sources, the local farmers began harvesting their paddy crops on November 29 and were in the process of drying them. Drying the crop ahead of procurement is essential to maintain the requisite level of moisture. The harvesting is still underway in some places. However, the untimely rain has disrupted these efforts, submerging hectares of farmland. Harvested paddy as well as those in the farmlands has been severely impacted.

The already harvested paddy set out for drying has suffered significant damage. “It rained heavily in the afternoon and our produce was badly impacted. Now, left with no other choice, we are drying them before mandi opens,” a farmer told OTV.

“Mandis are yet to be opened and we are in the dark as to when the procurement facility will open. Harvested paddy and those in the farmlands have got soaked in water. Most of us are in jeopardy,” another local farmer expressed.

Must Read: Paddy procurement: Odisha launches 24-hour control room, toll-free helpline number for farmers

Worth mentioning, the State Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra had in November said that the Odisha government would observe paddy procurement across Odisha as festivals and assemblies of farmers would be held in every district.