Subhechcha Ganguly 
The Odisha government has announced financial assistance for farmers and residents affected by unseasonal rainfall between May 27 and 30, according to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari. Assistance will be provided under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) guidelines, following damage to crops and homes across several districts.
At a review meeting on monsoon preparedness held Friday evening, Minister Pujari said, “The state has declared unseasonal rain as a state-specific disaster. Farmers and those whose homes were damaged will receive compensation based on reports submitted by district collectors.”
He emphasized that there is no shortage of funds and assured that “every affected individual will be supported.” A joint damage assessment survey is currently underway, involving officials from the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department.
As per SDRF norms, up to 10% of the fund’s annual allocation can be used to address such state-specific disasters.
Director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, Manorama Mohanty, reported that Odisha received an average of 49 mm rainfall during the four-day period. Eight districts—including Kendrapara, Kalahandi, and Rayagada—recorded over 50 mm of rainfall, while 22 others experienced between 10 to 50 mm, leading to significant damage to standing crops.
The meeting was held at the Special Relief Commissioner’s office and was attended by Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister KC Patra, district collectors, and agricultural officers.
