Crop damage likely in four districts

With four districts in Orissa- Nuapada, Kalahandi, Bolangir and Angul receiving less than half the normal rainfall, these districts are likely to experience crop damage if situation does not improve over the next few days.

"It is true that four districts- Nuapada, Kalahandi, Bolangir and Angul have a rainfall deficiency in the range of 40-59 per cent but it would be premature to say that the crops are on the verge of permanent damage. Besides, there are no visible signs till now for declaring these regions as drought hit. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rains in western Orissa over the next 3-4 days and we hope the situation in these districts should improve by then. Another review meeting will be held next week to assess the quantum of rainfall and its impact on crops,” said a senior government official.

The official informed that a contingency plan was ready for the Rabi season.

The state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today reviewed the crop situation in the state.

The state was almost staring at a drought like situation with four districts receiving less than 50 per cent rainfall and eight other districts having rainfall deficiency in the range of 30-50 per cent.

The department of revenue and disaster management is however waiting till the first week of September before officially declaring some districts as drought affected.

Only two districts in the state-Kendrapara and Jajpur have received more than anticipated rainfall.