Rayagada, Nov 3: The relentless rainfall triggered by Cyclone Montha has plunged farmers across Rayagada district into crisis, with widespread crop destruction threatening their livelihoods. Continuous showers have flattened acres of paddy fields and ravaged cotton plantations, leaving the farming community in deep distress.

In addition to paddy and cotton, crops like millets, horse gram, and pulses have suffered extensive damage. The worst-hit areas include Badairukubadi Panchayat and Viranarayanpur, where acres of farmland lie underwater. The damage has extended beyond Rayagada Sadar block, affecting Kolnara, Ramanaguda, Padmapur, Gunupur, Bishamakatak, Muniguda, and Kalyansinghpur blocks.

According to district agricultural records, this season saw paddy cultivation on 44,992 hectares, cotton on 48,799 hectares, and millets on 19,062 hectares. A significant portion of these crops now stands ruined due to the cyclone-induced rainfall.

Officials from the Revenue and Agriculture Departments have initiated field visits to assess the extent of the damage. The District Agriculture Officer confirmed that a comprehensive report is being prepared and will be submitted to the state government for relief measures.

Also Read: Trivikrama Besha Of Lord Jagannath To Be Performed Today Amid Tight Security In Puri

Farmers, many already burdened by loans, are now anxiously awaiting compensation. Though Cyclone Montha has passed, its aftermath has left a trail of destruction, breaking the backbone of the farming community in Rayagada.