The Odisha government has declared recent unseasonal rainfall as a natural calamity to provide financial assistance to farmers who suffered crop damage.
Here's a simple explanation:
What happened? Odisha experienced unexpected heavy rainfall in December 2023, which damaged crops.
What did the government do? Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared this a "natural calamity."
Why did they do this? To quickly provide compensation to affected farmers from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
How many farmers were affected? 6,66,720 farmers reported crop losses of 33% or more.
How much farmland was damaged? Approximately 2,26,791 hectares.
How much money is being provided? Approximately Rs 291 crore.
What is the SDRF? The State Disaster Response Fund, a fund used to help people during natural disasters.
What is the "Krushi Odisha Conclave"? An agricultural event focused on farmer welfare, where the announcement was made.
What are the effects of unseasonal rain on farming? It can severely damage crops and reduce harvests, causing financial hardship for farmers.
What are the reports about farmer suicides? Tragically, at least seven farmers are reported to have died by suicide due to the stress of crop loss.
What are the long-term implications? This event highlights the need for:
Better weather forecasting.
Improved crop insurance programs.
Support for sustainable farming practices.
Mental health support for farmers facing hardship.
Stronger disaster preparedness plans.
What is Mohan Charan Majhi's role? He is the current Chief Minister of Odisha.
What is the significance of the 33% crop loss figure? This is the threshold: farmers who lost 33% or more of their crops are eligible for compensation.
In simple terms: Heavy, unexpected rain in Odisha damaged many farmers' crops. The government has declared this a natural disaster so they can quickly give money to the affected farmers. This shows how important it is to have plans in place to help farmers when bad weather strikes and to support their mental well-being during such difficult times. It also highlights the need for better preparation for future weather events.