Sat Dec 21 20:26:23 UTC 2024: ## Odisha Farmers Face Devastating Losses Due to Unseasonal Rains

**Bhubaneswar, Odisha – December 22, 2024** – Unseasonal heavy rains have wreaked havoc on Odisha’s agricultural sector, submerging ready-to-harvest paddy crops and dashing farmers’ hopes of record profits. The downpour, caused by a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, has inundated fields across coastal and interior districts, striking at the peak of the Kharif harvest season.

Farmers were anticipating a bumper crop and a significant increase in income following a ₹1,000 per quintal rise in the minimum support price. However, the deluge has severely damaged their crops, with excess water causing discoloration rendering the paddy unsuitable for market.

Santosh Swain, a farmer from Jagatsingpur district, expressed his despair, stating that the unseasonal rains have “poured cold water” on their high expectations of earning ₹3,100 per quintal. The muddy conditions also prevent the use of harvesting machinery, compounding the farmers’ difficulties.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported heavy rainfall in several districts, including Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, and Ganjam, with Ranpur recording 110 mm of rainfall. The IMD forecasts continued light to moderate rainfall in coastal districts and sporadic showers in other regions.

While the state government has taken some measures, such as providing polythene covers to protect harvested paddy stored at market yards, the extent of the damage is yet to be fully assessed. State Cooperation Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta stated that the government will assess crop damage after the rains subside. The impact on farmers’ livelihoods is expected to be significant, leaving many facing considerable financial hardship.

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