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Datia, Nov 1 (IANS) Unseasonal rains coupled with high-speed winds since last week have caused huge damage to paddy crops almost ready for harvest in several districts of Madhya Pradesh, prompting the state administration to assess the damage to ensure financial assistance to the affected farmers.
The Gwalior-Chambal region of the state, which witnessed tragic floods during the monsoon season just a few months ago, has reportedly been the worst-affected area, especially the districts of Morena, Datia, Sheopur etc.
Former state home minister Narottam Mishra, after inspecting damaged paddy crops in his native district Datia, on Saturday said that farmers’ crops have been ruined and it has been ensured that they will be compensated for the loss.
Mishra, a five-time former minister who has been camping in poll-bound Bihar for almost the last one month, returned to his hometown Datia on Saturday and inspected the damaged crops.
He has directed the Tehsildar officer to ensure that the Patwaris (revenue officers) start conducting the survey soon.
Speaking to media persons, former minister Mishra said, “Due to excessive rains in Datia, there has been massive damage to the paddy crop. I will meet Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and explain the grievances of the farmers. He (Chief Minister) has already directed for a quick survey.”
According to State Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) President Kamal Singh Anjana, heavy rain has resulted in damage of crops in several other districts from Rewa, Jabalpur, Narmadapuram, Mandla, Dindori, Hoshangabad, Harda, Betul, Sehore, etc.
Anjana said on Wednesday, “Kharif crops like paddy and maize worth Rs 5,000 crore have been destroyed. If rains continue for three to four more days as forecast, the loss may increase further. Farmers are trying to cover their produce with tarpaulins, but it is impossible to save everything.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Kailash Meena, a farmer who cultivated paddy on about nine bighas of land, allegedly committed suicide after torrential rains flooded his field, rotting the crop and destroying his investments in seeds, fertilizers and labour.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the ongoing rains to the depression over the Arabian Sea, the trough passing through Madhya Pradesh and the active cyclonic circulation over the northern region.
Coupled with Cyclone Montha, these systems have caused continuous heavy rainfall in many parts of the state.
–IANS
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