Bhubaneswar, January 2: Former Odisha Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, emphasizing the need for adequate compensation for farmers affected by last month’s unseasonal rainfall. In his letter, Patnaik also called for timely advisories on weather updates to help farmers mitigate the impact of natural calamities.
"I urge the Government of Odisha to take the plight of farmers seriously by initiating a proper inquiry and ensuring timely compensation. Additionally, weather advisories must be issued promptly to prevent such crises in the future," stated the BJD leader.
Patnaik recently toured several affected districts, including Ganjam, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapara, where he met farmers whose paddy and non-paddy crops were extensively damaged during the harvesting season.
During his visit, farmers shared their grievances, alleging that inadequate government advisories left them unprepared for the unseasonal rains. Additionally, Patnaik noted that surveys to assess crop damage remain incomplete in many areas.
Patnaik reiterated the BJD's longstanding demand for special category status for Odisha, emphasizing that such a designation would provide additional support to the state and its farmers during crises.
