Odisha to Identify Farmers by Dec 30 for Compensation

Bhubaneswar:  To accelerate compensation for farmers affected by unseasonal rain, the Odisha government has set a deadline of December 30 to identify those who have suffered crop losses.

The decision was made at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to assess the damage caused by recent rains. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and other senior officials.

The rains, which occurred between December 20 and 28, caused significant damage to crops during the kharif harvesting period, affecting paddy, vegetables, and betel crops. Farmers who have lost crops will receive compensation through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Chief Minister Majhi appealed to farmers covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to report their crop losses to the government before the deadline. He assured that all affected farmers would receive monetary assistance.

To date, 1.26 lakh farmers have been reported affected, and Majhi requested that they submit their crop loss details through the Krishi Rakshak App of the Agriculture Department. Farmers can also file grievances through the department’s toll-free number 14447.

The government will take further steps based on the reports, in consultation with insurance companies, to ensure timely assistance.