Cyclone Arnab damages paddy and vegetable crops in Odisha's Koraput
Heavy rainfall and high-speed winds have affected over 3,000 acres of agricultural land across several blocks in the district.
Cyclone Arnab has caused extensive damage to paddy and vegetable crops across more than 3,000 acres of farmland in Odisha's Koraput district, according to The New Indian Express.
Heavy rains triggered by the cyclone submerged fields in the Pottangi, Semiliguda, Nandapur, Narayanpatna, and Bandhugaon blocks.
Farmers reported that vegetable crops near the harvesting stage were hit hardest by the winds and rain. Rajesh Mali, a farmer from Pottangi, said the prolonged waterlogging caused plants to turn yellow and rot, leading to fears that the entire crop will be wasted.
Preliminary reports from the district agriculture office indicate that approximately 700 acres of crops have been damaged in the Pottangi, Narayanpatna, and Semiliguda blocks.
District emergency officer Sarnjita Majhi said that officials from the Agriculture department and all revenue blocks have been instructed to provide reports on the damage.
Majhi added that the administration is conducting field assessments to evaluate losses to crops and houses, noting that around 72 mud houses have been partially damaged.