In a heartbreaking turn of events, two farmers in Odisha have reportedly lost their lives following distress over significant crop losses attributed to recent unseasonal rainfall.

The first incident occurred in Ganjam district, where a 64-year-old farmer allegedly died by suicide. Family members revealed that the catastrophic impact of the unseasonal rains on his Kharif crops led to his emotional distress. The incident took place in Barang village, under the jurisdiction of the Chhatrapur police station, on Thursday.

In a separate incident in Kendrapara district, another farmer succumbed to a heart attack amidst the emotional turmoil stemming from crop losses. Family members of the deceased stated that the farmer had been grappling with the fear and anxiety caused by the unpredictability of the weather and its ramifications on their livelihoods.

These tragic events have once again brought the pressing issue of farmer distress in Odisha to the forefront, highlighting the severe impact of erratic weather patterns on agriculture. Community leaders and agricultural experts are calling for immediate support and intervention to assist farmers facing similar hardships.

The state’s agriculture department has been urged to provide necessary assistance, including financial aid and counseling services, to help mitigate the stress experienced by the farming community. As the situation continues to unfold, the need for sustainable agricultural practices and effective climate adaptation strategies has never been more critical.