Oupada: Cyclonic storm Fani dealt a blow to farmers in Oupada block of Balasore district as it damaged rabi crops in hundreds of acres.
Besides, the gale flattened a large number of trees and disrupted power supply in many pockets. Electricity infrastructure was severely damaged. The administration had accommodated people in 56 cyclone relief centres.
According to a report of the agriculture department, rabi crobs in 129 hectares in 11 panchayats were completely damaged.
However, unofficial sources claimed that the extent of damage to rabi crops could be more. Farmers are now worried in tribal-dominated Gadasahi panchayat where bitter guard cultivation was damaged in hundreds of acres.
Other crops like sunflower, okra and vegetables have been damaged too.
Farmers demanded that the administration should conduct an immediate assessment of the damage and pay compensation to the affected farmers.
They also demanded waiver of farm loans.
BDO Pitambar Bhoi said damage assessment is on while steps are being taken to compensate affected farmers.
PNN