NUAPADA/BARGARH/KALAHANDI: Two Central teams arrived in Nuapada and Bargarh districts on Thursday to assess the drought situation and crop loss.
After landing at Nuapada, a five-member team, led by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, KS Srinivas visited Godphula gram panchayat in Nuapada block and went round the agricultural lands where paddy has been grown. After seeing that there were no paddy stalks in the standing crops, the team members interacted with farmers on the crop condition. Accompanied by Collector Mohammad Siddique Alam, the team visited villages in Nuapada and Komna blocks. Similarly at Samarsingh and Kurumpani gram panchayats in Komna block, they spoke to a group of affected farmers.
Later, they held a meeting with the district officials where they were apprised about the need for agriculture input subsidy to the tune of `50.02 crore. Of the total input subsidy, the State Government has already sanctioned `9.5 crore and the amount distributed among affected farmers. The district officials said 200 bore wells are required in each of the five blocks of Nuapada district to strengthen irrigation. After assuring all possible help, the team members left for Kalahandi district where they are likely to visit drought-affected areas on Friday.
Another five-member team, led by Commissioner, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy SK Dutta, arrived at Padampur in Bargarh district. The team visited Purena, Sargijoar, Kansingha, Sargibahal and Jhungapali in Padampur block; Guderpali and Nuapali in Gaiselet block; Bhatigaon and Majhipali in Bijepur block and Dumerbahal in Sohela block.
The officials went round agricultural lands, irrigation projects and interacted with farmers on loans from banks, money lending arrangement and Government support that they had received so far.