Bhubaneswar, Nov 14: With paddy crops nearing maturity and harvesting expected to begin within days, the possibility of a cyclone over the Bay of Bengal has triggered concern among farmers across Odisha. Strong winds and continuous rainfall could flatten standing crops, cause grain shedding and lead to significant agricultural losses.

The state is still recovering from the impact of Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods and landslides. The threat of another cyclonic system has now raised fresh concerns, particularly in southern and coastal Odisha.

Low-pressure area forms over Bay of Bengal

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a low-pressure area formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal on Friday. It is likely to intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area within the next 24 hours and become a depression on November 15.

The system may further intensify into a cyclonic storm over the central Bay of Bengal by the evening of November 16. If it develops into a cyclone, it will be named 'Akvan', an Iranian name meaning 'evil-minded'.

Although its exact track and intensity remain uncertain, several weather models suggest that the system could move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Rainfall Likely in Odisha from November 18

The Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre has forecast rainfall in Odisha from November 18. Light to moderate rainfall is likely in parts of north coastal, south coastal and southern Odisha, with heavy rainfall at isolated places.

Also read: Cyclone threat over Bay of Bengal, Odisha weather may change

On November 19, districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri and Rayagada may receive heavy rainfall. Wind speeds of 30-40 kmph are also likely in some areas.

The Odisha government has begun precautionary preparations, with the Special Relief Commissioner's office scheduled to remain operational for the next two days to monitor the situation.

Andhra Pradesh likely to be the landfall region

Weather experts believe the system is more likely to move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. However, its impact on Odisha will depend on the eventual landfall location.

Dr Sarat Chandra Sahu, Director of SOA University's Centre for Climate and Environment, said some models indicate cyclone formation on November 16, while others suggest November 18.

He said a landfall near Machilipatnam could limit the impact on Odisha, while a landfall near Visakhapatnam could bring heavier rainfall to the state.

Agricultural meteorologist Professor Surendranath Pashupalak said the system could approach the coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur around November 17-18. Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada and Koraput may experience light to moderate rainfall, with heavy showers at isolated places. Coastal areas could witness winds of 35-45 kmph, with gusts reaching 55 kmph.

Meteorologist Biswajit Sahu also said the cyclone's exact track and intensity are likely to become clearer after November 15.

Farmers fear crop damage

The timing of the possible cyclone has become a major concern for farmers, as paddy crops across most districts are almost ready for harvesting.

Even a few days of continuous rainfall or strong winds could cause mature paddy grains to fall and standing crops to flatten, resulting in substantial losses. Vegetable cultivation may also suffer due to heavy rainfall and waterlogging.

With the cyclone's movement still uncertain, farmers are hoping that the system will spare Odisha's nearly harvest-ready fields.