Based on the reports of district Collectors, the State Government on Thursday declared nine districts as drought-affected with an overall crop loss of 33 per cent.
The districts are Bargarh, Balangir, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Sambalpur and Sundargarh. The crop loss occurred due to moisture stress, informed an official release.
The SRC release said the reports were received from district Collectors through the Director, Agriculture and Food Production. Crops in a total of 2,33,173.8 hectares of land at 5,633 villages of 1,186 gram panchayats under 66 blocks and 16 ULBs in the nine districts have been lost over 33 per cent.
As per analysis, there was a rainfall deviation of 39 per cent to 59 per cent (severe deficit) in five blocks namely, Muribahal, Loisinga and Belapada in Balangir district and two blocks namely, Sundargarh Sadar and Tangarapalli in Sundargarh district.
Another 30 blocks in 12 districts experienced deficit rainfall (shortfall between 19 per cent and 39 per cent) during the Kharif. Besides, 100 blocks in 19 districts experienced dry spell period of continuous three weeks and more.
The State Government has declared drought of moderate/severe natures in these areas and authorised the Collectors to undertake relief measures.