While crops have been severely damaged owing to pest attack and farmers are reeling under its impact in the State, the Regional Office of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) here on Friday forecast a low pressure developing over the Bay of Bengal which is likely to trigger rainfall from November 12.
It is apprehended that such a weather condition would add to the woes of the farmers as most of them are reeling under the shocks of crop loss because of pest attack.
The IMD has advised to take necessary steps to protect the standing and harvested crops.
According to the IMD forecast, “Presently a low pressure system is forming around south-east Bay of Bengal extending upto 4.5 km above sea level in the atmosphere. Its movement has been traced towards Tamil Nadu and Sri lanka. later after November 15, it is likely to turn north-north east wards along the coast and due to its effect; rains could be experienced in Odisha,”
The effect is likely to be more in coastal pockets. Apart from coastal districts, other districts like Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Phulbani, Kalahandi, Nayagarh, Ganjam and Gajapati are also likely to witness rainfall.
The weather forecast also states that Odisha would witness overcast sky and light rains at some places while intensity of rainfall may increase after November 15 till 18.
Meanwhile, the State Relief Commissioner has issued an advisory to the district Collectors to remain on alert to ask the farmers to store the paddy in safe places or cover it appropriately to save it from damage during the rains. Mandi’s were asked to take appropriate measures to keep the paddy stocks safe from damage. However, Revenue and Disaster Mitigation Department Minister Maheshwar Mohanty said there is no threat of cyclones.