BERHAMPUR: Though cyclone Hud Hud passed through the district without causing any major damage, the subsequent rain and release of water from different reservoirs has posed serious problems for farmers.
Simanchal Nahak of Rushikulya Rayat Mahasabha said paddy crops in at least 2,000 hectares (ha) of land in various blocks have been damaged. Besides paddy, vegetable crops in over 1000 ha were destroyed.
He said low lying land near rivers and their tributaries in Purusottompur, Chikiti, Digapahandi and Rangeiluna are still under water. The flood water along with water released from Dhanei, Ghodahada, Baghua and Hiradharbati reservoirs have rendered over 100 ha of cultivable land sand-cast, Nahak claimed.
Sources in Collectorate said the Agriculture Department has been asked to prepare a report on crop loss. In its preliminary report, the Horticulture Department stated that vegetable crops raised in 1000 ha and flower cultivation in 12 ha have been partially damaged.
Deputy Director of Horticulture wing, B Das said vegetable crops in all the blocks have been affected. In Sanakhemundi block, vegetable crops in 187 ha have been damaged due to waterlogging and 10 ha in Dharakote block.