It is a double whammy for Kendrapara farmers. After facing crop loss due to cyclone Hud Hud, they are now challenged by pests that are destroying whatever crop was left.
Brown plant hoppers, locally called as Haladigundi, have destroyed crops on a large-scale in Mahakalpada, Pattamundai, Garadapur, Rajkanika and Aul leaving the farmers almost shattered.
On Wednesday, the affected farmers met Collector Pramod Kumar Das demanding compensation.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture Department has organised awareness camps educating farmers on how to deal with the menace.
Climate change and impact of cyclone Hud Hud are said to be the main reasons behind the arrival of brown plant hoppers, which was not seen earlier in coastal Odisha, said president of district unit of Krusaka Sabha, Umesh Chandra Singh.
Source - http://www.newindianexpress.com/
