Odisha govt orders assessment of crop damage after unseasonal rainfall

Bhubaneswar, Dec 22: The Odisha government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has instructed district Collectors in areas impacted by recent unseasonal rainfall to thoroughly assess the damage to crops, according to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Minister Pujari explained, "Collectors have been directed to conduct a detailed evaluation of crop losses caused by the unseasonal rains. However, due to continuous rainfall until yesterday, the assessment could not proceed as planned."

To expedite the process, revenue officials from unaffected areas, including Tehsildars, Revenue Inspectors, and Amins, have been deployed to assist in assessing the damage in affected districts. "A comprehensive evaluation will be carried out once the weather conditions improve," Pujari added.

Reassuring farmers, the minister emphasized that the state government is committed to providing adequate compensation for the crop losses. Additionally, support will be extended to facilitate the sale of remaining crops. Pujari also mentioned that he is prepared to personally visit the affected regions if necessary.

The government has urged farmers who have insured their Kharif crops under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (Kharif-2024) to promptly report any crop losses due to the unseasonal rainfall to claim their insurance benefits.