Bhograi: Compounding the woes of farmers, unseasonal rain, hailstorm accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorm struck South-Balasore, Monday.
Farmers suffered huge crop loss and damage as rain water gushed into paddy fields and washed away vegetable crop spread over several acres. The unseasonal rain which started Sunday evening continued for 17 hours, brining huge loss for the farmers who are already reeling under debt burden and crop loss.
Frequent power-cuts due to heavy winds affected normal life. Residents had to remain indoors due to the prevailing rain.
Reports said, paddy and vegetable farmers were the worst-affected. Vegetables and pulses including green gram, peanuts, water-melon, sun-flower, brinjals and pumpkin have been damaged due to heavy rainfall accompanied by storm has been lashing the area in February.
While the farmers had a tough time during the February rain, the recent rain has compounded their woes. Heavy rain has ruined the farmers who had borrowed money from co-operative banks and money lenders.
Such farmers are a worried lot as it is difficult for their families to pay off their debts. Many were forced to go out of Odisha to work as migrant labourers in a bid to repay their loans.
As per initial reports, crops in over 12,000 hectare in Bhograi block are damaged due to hailstorm. Farmers in south Balasore remained a worried lot as cold weather and drizzling rain continued till the reports came in.
PNN