Bhubaneswar: A sigh of relief is on the horizon for farmers across Odisha, as the state government has pledged speedy compensation for crop and house damages caused by the recent unseasonal rains between May 27 and May 30.
Following a high-level virtual review meeting, the State Government has declared this erratic rainfall a “natural disaster,” ensuring that no affected farmer or homeowner will be left without support.
The meeting, held at the State Special Relief Commissioner’s office, brought together key officials including Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, and Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krishna Chandra Patra, alongside district collectors and agricultural officers.
According to Manorma Mohanty, Regional Branch Director of the India Meteorological Centre, the state recorded an average of 41.9 mm of rainfall during the four-day period. Eight districts—Kendrapara, Kalahandi, Jagatsinghpur, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Bhadrak, Subarnapur, and Rayagada—were particularly hard hit, receiving over 50 mm of rainfall. Additionally, 22 other districts experienced rainfall between 10 and 50 mm, indicating widespread impact on agricultural lands.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Pujari assured farmers that a joint survey is actively underway by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and the Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department to assess the full extent of the damage. “Every farmer and person whose house was damaged by the rain and wind will definitely be compensated,” Minister Shri Pujari affirmed. “The government is vigilant to ensure that no one is deprived of getting compensation.”
Farmers can expect immediate action once the district collectors submit their damage reports, a process the government is keen to expedite. This proactive approach aims to provide much-needed relief to the farming community, which has borne the brunt of these unexpected weather patterns. The state’s commitment to supporting its farmers during this challenging period is a welcome assurance for those facing losses.