Cyclone Dana’s impact on Odisha’s agricultural sector has been significant, with standing paddy crops across over 80,000 hectares damaged, according to preliminary assessments. Although the cyclone’s landfall late Thursday night in Kendrapara district caused no human casualties, extensive crop damage and infrastructure destruction were reported. The state government has begun assessing losses and announced a compensation package for affected farmers.
Crop Damage and Affected Districts
According to the agriculture department’s initial report, cyclone Dana affected crops on 80,478 hectares of farmland, with over 2.8 lakh hectares temporarily submerged. Kendrapara, the site of Dana’s landfall, was hardest hit, with 28,426 hectares of crops damaged. In Bhadrak district, around 24,827 hectares were impacted by the storm’s high winds and torrential rains, which also uprooted trees and electric poles, causing additional damage to infrastructure.
Compensation Plan for Farmers
Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister KV Singh Deo announced a compensation package for affected farmers. Farmers will receive ₹4,200 for damage to half a hectare of land, with a minimum amount of ₹1,000 for minor losses. For crop damage on irrigated land, farmers will receive ₹17,000 per hectare, with marginal farmers guaranteed a minimum payout of ₹2,000. Additionally, agro forest and plantation crop losses will be compensated at ₹22,500 per hectare, with a minimum payment of ₹2,500.
Assessment and Disbursement Plan
A joint assessment by the agriculture and revenue departments will be conducted to finalize the scope of damage. “District-level officials have been instructed to submit assessment reports according to guidelines set by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC). Compensation will then be disbursed directly into farmers’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT),” said Singh Deo. He also cautioned against any attempts to submit false information to claim undue benefits, warning of consequences for such actions.
Ongoing Damage Assessment
State Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that damage assessment work commenced on October 26 and is expected to be completed within seven days. The quick completion of assessment work will allow for the timely distribution of relief funds to affected farmers.
The state government’s timely response and structured compensation plan aim to mitigate the losses faced by farmers, offering a measure of stability as they recover from the impact of Cyclone Dana.
Sources By Agencies