Hailstorm accompanied by heavy rain have damaged the standing crops of paddy, pulses and vegetables on vast tracts of land in Subdega block of Sundargarh district on Sunday evening. The affected farmers have demanded immediate survey of the damaged crop to facilitate payment of compensation.

Tumulia Sarpanch Debendra Majhi said the heavy rain accompanied by hailstones lasted for about 20 minutes. As per preliminary information, Subdega, Labdega, Damkura, Sargidhipa and Chanelbeda have suffered maximum damages. Reports of crop loss have also been received from other gram panchayats of the block. He demanded immediate survey of crop loss to pay compensation to the affected farmers.

Talsara Pani Panchayat Committee president BS Behera claimed that about 1,000 acres of land in Pateimunda, Labdega and Bhukhampada reported damages to crops of paddy, pulses, watermelon, cucumber and other vegetables. A month back, ‘moong’ crop cultivated in 10 acres by him was damaged due to hailstorm and rain.Subdega Zilla Parishad member RN Tandia said damages to the crops were reported from scattered locations. Deputy Director in-charge of Agriculture KN Mohapatra said a joint verification would be conducted by the Agriculture and Revenue departments and as per norms, compensation would be paid from the Calamity Relief Fund.

On March 27, hailstorm and rain had damaged vegetable and banana crops in over 1,088 acres in Nuagaon, Kuanrmunda and Bisra blocks of the district. Based on preliminary reports, District Agriculture Officer for Panposh sub-division AK Mangal said vegetable crops in about 870 acres in 20 villages of Soroda, Barilepta, Urmei, Chitapedi and Bagdega panchayats in Nuagaon block were damaged.

Moreover, nine villages in Jareikela, Badbambua and Theteiposh panchayats of Bisra block had reported damage to vegetable crops in 165 acres and banana cultivation in 15 acres.

Mohapatra said joint verification has been completed in Nuagaon, Bisra and Kuanrmunda blocks recently and the final report would be received shortly.

Source - http://www.newindianexpress.com/