Berhampur: Cyclonic storm Titli and its subsequent flood left indelible scars in Ganjam district causing an estimated Rs 7 crore loss to horticulture, said reports here.
The district administration submitted a survey report on the losses to the state government. The administration anticipated the Titli toll may further go up.
Farmers in the coastal district have been the worst sufferers as standing crops over a total of 4,092.29 hectare were damaged by the cyclonic storm. While farmers in the district were already reeling from losses due to pest-attack and drought like situation last year, Titli has compounded their woes.
As per preliminary reports, as many as 22 blocks comprising 310 panchayats and 1,024 villages in the district have been affected by Titli. A total of 29,261 farmers have been affected by the flood created by Titli.
Thousands of acres in Patrapur, Chikiti, Aska, Belguntha, Purushottampur, Madhabpur and Hinjili are still submerged in water as the flood water is yet to recede.
Similarly, vegetable farmers are going through a tough phase as acres of vegetables were damaged.
As per government reports, vegetables in 3,505 hectares were damaged in the district. Moreover, fruits in 96.8 hectares, flowers in 6.5 hectares and other crops in 98.05 hectares have been damaged in the flood.
“Officials have visited the affected villages and prepared a report. The preliminary report has been submitted to the District Collector. A total of 7.33 crore loss has been suffered in horticulture along. It is expected to increase as the survey is on,” assistant director of horticulture, Prasant Kumar Patra said, adding that help will be provided to all affected farmers as per the direction of the state government.
PNN