Balasore, May 1: Hundreds of farmers in Balasore district are facing severe distress after recent unseasonal rain, accompanied by Kalbaisakhi (Nor’wester) storms, destroyed their crops. The worst-affected areas, where large stretches of cultivated land have been damaged.

A severe Kaal Baisakhi storm has devastated crops across several villages, leaving farmers deeply worried about their losses. The heavy rains and strong winds, which have persisted for three consecutive afternoons, have caused widespread damage to standing crops.

In villages like Shradhapur, Kanthibhauri, Narayan Mohanty Padia, Gochida Teghari, and Saharia Aruhabriti, waterlogged fields and blown-off thatched roofs are now a common sight. Particularly affected are the groundnut plantations, which have been extensively damaged by the intense rainfall. Paddy fields are also submerged under water, further threatening the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

Balasore, known as a major producer of rice, paddy, and fish, is now facing significant agricultural setbacks due to this sudden and intense storm. Local authorities are assessing the damage, while farmers brace themselves for the impact on their upcoming harvest.