Cyclone Arnab Havoc: Paddy Crops Flattened, Farmers Demand Compensation in Chhattisgarh
Farmers in Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district demand compensation after Cyclone Arnab causes heavy rainfall and crop loss.
The agricultural heartland of Chhattisgarh's Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district has been dealt a severe blow as unseasonal rainfall, triggered by Cyclone Arnab paddy damage, has devastated standing crops. With the kharif harvest just days away, farmers are now grappling with significant losses and are calling upon the district administration for an immediate survey and financial relief.
Nature's Fury: Winds and Rain Flatten Fields
The weather took a drastic turn on Tuesday, with heavy cloud cover settling over the district. By Wednesday evening, the situation escalated into torrential rainfall that persisted through Thursday. The storm was not just about the rain; violent winds accompanying the downpour late Wednesday night acted like a scythe, flattening mature paddy plants across numerous fields.
For many farmers, the timing could not have been worse. The crops were nearly mature and ready for harvest, meaning the damage has occurred at the most critical stage of the agricultural cycle.
Farmers' Plight: "25 to 30 Per Cent Loss"
The ground reality is grim. Kirti Kumar Kashyap, a farmer from Kurdkai village in the Pendra block, highlighted the extent of the crisis. While a full assessment is only possible once the skies clear, early estimates suggest that roughly 25 to 30 per cent of the crop has been affected.
According to Kashyap, the damage manifests in several ways:
- Paddy plants have been completely submerged in water.
- Strong winds have flattened the stalks, making harvesting difficult.
- Panicles of partially mature plants have fallen, risking the loss of grains that had not yet fully developed.
Another affected farmer, Naresh Kumar Yadav, expressed his frustration, noting that the crop was only two to four days away from being harvested. He emphasized that the sudden storm has put his entire season's hard work at risk.
The Fight for Compensation
A primary concern for the farming community is the lack of an official survey. Farmers are urging the administration to conduct village-wise assessments to ensure fair payouts. Kirti Kumar Kashyap pointed out that since insurance premiums are regularly deducted from them, they are entitled to an accurate assessment and the corresponding insurance money to recover their losses.
Administration Response and Red Alerts
The severity of the weather prompted the district administration to take emergency measures. A red alert was issued for Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi for October 29 and 30. To ensure public safety, District Collector Vijay Dayaram K announced a holiday for all schools and anganwadi centres across the district.
"A red alert has been issued for Gorla Pendrā Marwāhī district on the 29th and 30th. In light of this, we issued a holiday for all schools and Anganwadis in our district yesterday evening," stated Collector Vijay Dayaram K.
When questioned about the crop damage and the demand for a survey, the Collector maintained a cautious stance, stating that the administration would examine the matter and take necessary action once formal information regarding the losses is received.
Temperature Drop and Future Outlook
Beyond the agricultural devastation, the unseasonal rain has led to a noticeable dip in temperatures across the district. Local officials expect conditions to turn even colder once the clouds clear, adding another layer of challenge for the region's residents.