Concerned over large scale damages of Rabi crops particularly summer paddy, onion and vegetables due to the low pressure induced untimely rains last week across the State, Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy on Friday said that he would conduct an on- the- spot study of the affected areas before compensating the farmers.

He said that reports of huge damages of Rabi crops had been received by the Agriculture Department. Farmers in coastal, north, western and southern regions were the victim of the untimely rain. The farmers of the undivided Kalahandi districts were the worst affected as onion crops in thousands of hectares had already been damaged, he asserted. Besides, massive damages to crops were reported from undivided Koraput and Baleswar districts, Maharathy said.

He stated that he would visit Nuapada on Saturday along with Agriculture Director Santa Gopalan and Director Horticulture Pradeep Chaddha. He would held a review of the situation at Bhawanipatna .

The district Collectors and Agriculture officials have been directed to prepare a detailed report on damages to the Rabi crops and the names of the affected farmers, he said, adding that the Special Relief

Commissioner had also been asked to give a comprehensive report on the crop damage.

He further said that after getting the report and basing on his personal assessment, an action plan would be formulated to provide all possible assistance including the agri-inputs to the affected farmers.