#Odisha

Scientists Advise Odisha Paddy Farmers to Mitigate Losses Ahead of Cyclone Dana

With Cyclone Dana expected to bring heavy rainfall to the coastal districts of Odisha, agriculture scientists have urged paddy farmers to take precautionary measures to minimize potential crop damage. The National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has issued an advisory specifically for farmers in areas projected to face the brunt of the storm.

The districts likely to experience the heaviest downpours include Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj. The cyclone-induced rainfall could submerge standing paddy crops, exacerbating the risk of damage to both standing and harvested crops.

In their advisory, NRRI scientists recommended immediate steps to prevent waterlogging and mitigate crop loss. Key suggestions include:

  • Draining excess water: Farmers are advised to create drainage channels to prevent waterlogging in paddy fields.
  • Early harvesting: For crops nearing maturity, early harvesting is recommended to avoid total loss.
  • Safe storage: Farmers should move harvested crops to elevated areas or secure storage facilities to protect them from excessive moisture and rot.

The advisory aims to provide immediate support and guidance to farmers, many of whom are at risk of losing a significant portion of their yield.

Cyclone Dana, which is expected to make landfall in the coming days, poses a serious threat to the agricultural sector in Odisha. Authorities are working closely with local farming communities to disseminate this vital information and provide further assistance in case of widespread damage.

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