Down To Earth

Cyclone Murasu spares Odisha, but Arnab’s floods leave farmers struggling to recover
Farmers across Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts report extensive damage to paddy, maize and vegetable crops, while several villages remain without electricity nearly a week after the cyclone.

Summary :

Cyclone Murasu largely spared Odisha, but flooding caused by Cyclone Arnab has left extensive agricultural damage across southern districts.

Standing paddy, maize, pulses and vegetable crops have been destroyed in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal, leaving thousands of farmers facing financial losses.

Farmers fear they will struggle to repay bank loans, with many lacking crop insurance and worried about inadequate compensation.

Several villages remain without electricity nearly a week after Cyclone Arnab damaged power lines, poles and communication infrastructure.

An eight-member central team has begun assessing the damage, while the Odisha government has ordered crop loss surveys before providing compensation.