Two farmers died in Odisha as crops were destroyed due to unseasonal rains

Bhubaneswar: The devastating effects of unseasonal rains continue to wreak havoc on Odisha’s farming community, with two tragic deaths reported in Ganjam and Kendrapara districts. One farmer reportedly took his own life while another suffered a fatal heart attack after seeing his crops destroyed.

A farmer of Badmadhpur Barang village of Chhatrapur block of Ganjam district committed suicide after taking a loan of two lakhs and cultivating crops on five acres of land.

Talking about the incident, Chhatrapur Tehsildar said, ‘Investigation is going on. The Sub-District Magistrate has assured the bereaved family that compensation and financial assistance will be provided from the Red Cross Fund.

The second incident took place in Santhapura village under Derabish block of Kendrapara district. Bhavagrahi Mallik, who planted paddy on seven acres of land with a large investment, observed his flooded field on Thursday. Disturbed by his damaged crops, he complained of feeling unwell and chest pains. Even though he was taken to the hospital, he died on the way. Doctors confirmed that he had a heart attack.

He went to the field early in the morning and returned home disturbed. After some time he complained of chest pain. I believe that he had a heart attack after seeing his destroyed crops,’ said Vinod Mallik, brother of the deceased farmer.

Mallik’s daughter said in tears, “My father took a loan in my mother’s name to raise crops. The destruction of our paddy and his death has shattered our family.

The district authorities have taken the incident into consideration. “The tehsildar and agriculture officer will go to the affected areas to assess the damage in consultation with farmers and community members,” said Nilu Mohapatra, additional district magistrate, Kendrapara.

He said that the report will be submitted to the Special Relief Commissioner for appropriate action.

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