“Cyclone Dana Impacts 79,000 Hectares in Odisha; Farmers to Receive Compensation
Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Dana, which struck the coastal region of Odisha yesterday, has impacted over 79,000 hectares of agricultural land across the state. A preliminary report indicates that a total of 79,671 hectares have been affected, resulting in crop losses across 199,177 acres.
Kendrapara district suffered the most, with 23,000 hectares impacted, particularly in the areas of Rajkanika, Aul, and Mahakalpada. Bhadrak district follows closely, with 24,115 hectares affected, notably in Basudevpur, Chandbali, Bhandaripokhari, and Dhamnagar.
Other districts impacted include Balasore (3,140 hectares), Mayurbhanj (2,381 hectares), Jajpur (2,709 hectares), and Jagatsinghpur (2,498 hectares).
In response to the report, the state government has announced compensation for farmers affected by Cyclone Dana. According to Agriculture Principal Secretary Arabinda Padhee, farmers will receive Rs 4,200 for damage to half a hectare of land, with a minimum payment of Rs 1,000 for minimal losses.
For crop loss on irrigated land, farmers will receive Rs 17,000, while marginal farmers will be compensated with a minimum of Rs 2,000. Additionally, compensation for agro-forestry or plantation crop loss will amount to Rs 22,500 per hectare, with a minimum of Rs 2,500 for smaller losses. A comprehensive assessment will be conducted in collaboration with Revenue and Agriculture officials to finalize the compensation amounts.