Farmers rush to harvest paddy early in Paradip and Kujang areas amid low-pressure and rainfall forecast

Farmers in Odisha’s Paradip and Kujang regions have begun harvesting paddy ahead of schedule amid fears of continuous rainfall triggered by a developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. The approaching weather disturbance has heightened anxiety among cultivators, who worry that prolonged showers could severely damage standing crops that are on the verge of maturity.

Paddy that was originally expected to be harvested in about 15 days is now being cut in haste as farmers rush to minimise potential losses. Many were seen harvesting mature crops, moving cut bundles from waterlogged fields to safer locations, and attempting to dry and process the grains before weather conditions deteriorate further, according to reports.

While some farmers continue to toil in submerged fields, others are shifting harvested paddy to threshing grounds in an attempt to prevent moisture accumulation, which could result in sprouting and spoilage. Several cultivators said they are left with no option but to take immediate action to save whatever they can from the looming weather threat.

Farmers Express Distress

A farmer said, “This was supposed to be harvested after 15 days, but we are doing it now due to the weather forecast, or we will lose it. We do not have co-operative societies here, so we took personal loans, and we cannot afford crop damage. If it rains, we will not be able to harvest it. If it sprouts, then birds will eat it and we will not be able to repay our loans.”

Another farmer added, “We will not be able to repay our loans nor arrange food for our children. So, we are harvesting this unripe paddy as at least we will have something to rely on.”

Urgent Measures to Prevent Loss

Farmers emphasised that they are attempting to safeguard as much of the annual produce as possible before the rain and wind intensify. With limited institutional support and rising financial strain due to private loans, they expressed concern about the economic implications if the crop is lost to weather-related damage.