Odisha Declares Unseasonal Rain as Natural Calamity: Relief Announced for Affected Farmers

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared the December unseasonal rain a natural calamity, enabling compensation distribution to affected farmers from the State Disaster Response Fund. This decision includes a financial aid of approximately Rs 291 crore for over 6.6 lakh farmers suffering significant crop loss.

In a pivotal decision, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has declared unseasonal rain in December of the previous year as a natural calamity. This move aims to provide financial relief to farmers who experienced significant crop damage due to the unexpected weather conditions.

Chief Minister Majhi addressed the Krushi Odisha Conclave 2025, stating that compensation would be delivered to farmers reporting at least a 33 percent crop loss. The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) will allocate approximately Rs 291 crore to support these affected individuals, he confirmed.

The initiative comes in response to reports from district collectors indicating substantial agricultural distress, affecting over 2,26,791 hectares and approximately 6,66,720 farmers. The government also plans to support vegetable and cash crop cultivators, alongside implementing measures to promote self-reliance in the farming community.

(With inputs from agencies.)