From Cyclone Titli to Montha: Odisha’s farmers suffer year after year

For thousands of Odisha’s farmers, Cyclone Montha brought devastation just as paddy and other crops were due for harvest. Large-scale crop losses have occurred and farmers’ incomes have taken a direct hit.

The state government has not yet released an official damage assessment. Historical figures, however, show this is a recurring crisis affecting agriculture. And farmers and growers’ associations say government relief packages fall far short of actual losses. 

Many farmers claim that survey teams have not even assessed their fields yet. Sishir Kumar Sahu, a farmer from Govindpur village in Dhenkanal district, says: “We were going to harvest paddy in just 15 days. But the entire 10-guntha plot has been ruined. The plants have been flattened by water, wind and rain.”

Seshadev Nanda, president of the Nav Nirman Krishak Sabha, warns: “This crisis will not end until the damage-assessment and relief processes are reformed. A systemic change is necessary.”

This is not the first time Odisha’s farmers have borne the brunt of cyclones. 

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