Koriya/MCB (Chhattisgarh): The impact of Cyclone Montha has now fallen heavily on farmers. Torrential rains in several districts of the Surguja division have devastated standing paddy crops. Fields that were ready for harvest are now submerged under water, while harvested grains stored in the open are rotting due to continuous rainfall.
Unseasonal rain has crippled farmers in Koriya and MCB districts. The ongoing paddy harvesting schedule has been completely disrupted.
Farmers fear that if the rain continues for another two days, their entire crop could be destroyed. Many have appealed to the administration for financial assistance and compensation to help them prepare for the next sowing season.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rainfall is likely to continue for the next two days in North Chhattisgarh under the influence of Cyclone Montha.
While this weather may benefit mustard and potato crops, experts warn that it will have a severe negative impact on paddy, the state’s main Kharif crop.
The IMD forecasts that rainfall will subside by November 2, followed by clear skies and a drop in temperature.
However, the damage may already be done — with large portions of the paddy crop likely to rot in fields or storage, causing significant economic losses to farmers.
Shivkaran Yadav, a farmer from Jolgi village, shared his ordeal:
“I had paddy on 25 acres of land. Half the crop was destroyed before harvest, and the rest rotted due to rain. I’ve lost nearly ₹1.25 lakh. I request the administration to provide compensation so that we can prepare for the next crop.”
Puran Singh, another farmer, said:
“The entire 10-acre crop is ruined. Harvested paddy is rotting, and standing crops are under water. Even our vegetable farming is affected — our family’s livelihood is now at risk.”
From Toja village, the Sarpanch’s husband reported:
“Continuous rain has not only damaged crops but also houses. Almost the entire village’s paddy crop has decayed in the fields. We’ve demanded that the administration conduct an immediate survey and release compensation.”
Koriya district agriculture officer Rajesh Kumar Bharti said:
“Paddy was cultivated over nearly 32,000 hectares in the district. Loss assessment is currently underway. Farmers registered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) can directly inform their insurance company to claim compensation.”
He added:
“Affected farmers should report their crop loss by calling the toll-free number 14477, which will help initiate their insurance claim and ensure they receive the due compensation.”
Farmers said they toil all year to produce their crops, but natural calamities like this wash away everything in days.
Their only hope now lies with the government and district administration — that surveys will be conducted quickly, and timely compensation will help them recover and prepare for the next farming season.
