Odisha receives 13 per cent less Rainfall; 116 Blocks affected

Bhubaneswar, Sep 3: Drought-like situation emerged in 116 blocks in nine districts of Odisha following below-normal rainfall in the monsoon season. The farmers of the state have been badly affected due to scanty rainfall in the state. Around 2.77 lakh hectares of cultivated land in these 116 blocks have been affected while paddy cultivation affected in 1.65 lakh hectares.

According to official data, Odisha received 811.4mm rainfall since June 1; it should have received 929.5 mm rainfall. The state received 13 per cent less rainfall during this season.  Among districts, Kandhamal has received 38 per cent lower than normal rainfall. Similarly, other districts – Bolangir 32 per cent, Khurda 31 per cent, Nayagarh 29 per cent, Kalahandi 27 per cent, Subarnapur 24 per cent, Koraput 23 per cent, Puri 22 per cent and Ganjam 21 per cent.

Considering the less rainfall record in the state, Odisha government extended support for the installation  of 40,000 subsidised pump sets. And, the state government has been encouraging farmers for alternative crops.