In this regard, the State Government directed to the District Collectors of eight districts to submit a detailed report on the damage of crops due to pest attack within 48 hours.
Reportedly, the farmers in the areas alleged that the pesticide, supplied to them by government agencies was of a sub-standard quality, which led to the crop damage.
It is to be noted that a farmer Brunda Sahoo of Kalapani block in Bargarh district commited suicide by consuming poison after failing to address the pest problem.