Semiliguda: Farmers of Alligaon under this block in Koraput district were in distress after snowflakes damaged their vegetable crop.
The farmers had cultivated tomato, beans, brinjal and potato in this rabi crop season. Some of the affected farmers are Chandan Padhi, Kumaram Padhi, Muduli Karan, Khaga Muduli, Jaypriya Dosu, Pratap Antabasi, Ram Antabasi, Dambur Muduli, Dhana Disari, Madan Padhi, Bhagatram Kirasani, B Kirasani, Narasingh Kirasani, Dhali Kirasani, Ram Jani and Trinath Muduli.
Not only ready-to-harvest crop, but also flowering vegetable plants were affected by snowflakes. The flowers fall off the plants after sunray falls on them, the farmers said.
The problem was acute for farmers of Sundhiput, Nuaput, Daleiguda, Pitaguda and Dudhari villages. Their kharif crops were destroyed by cyclones and now with the fall in temperature is destroying their rabi crop.
They have alerted the local horticulture department in this regard, but no action was taken to address their concerns, alleged the farmers.
The farmers were reportedly told that necessary steps would be taken after the local block development officer visits the spot.
Meanwhile, Laxam Padhi, president of sarpanch association, demanded financial help to the affected farmers. The farmers have threatened to gherao the District Collector’s office if no financial aid was provided to them.
PNN