The State Government on Sunday asserted that pest attack on crops is under control in all districts and the affected farmers would be compensated as per the Relief Code.
Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan stressed on several measures to tackle the situation while holding a review meeting with district Collectors through videoconferencing at the State Secretariat.
District Collectors informed that a very low percentage of crops have been affected by pest attack in their respective districts. They were asked to intensify awareness drives involving revenue personnel, self help groups and other grassroot level workers.
It was revealed that ‘Chakada’ insects (brown plant hoppers) attacked crops in some lands due to irregular rains and more temperature and humidity in climate. Similarly, use of improper pesticide, low gaps between plants and use of many pesticides at a time are the other reasons for spread of the Chakada pests.
It was revealed that standing crops in a total of 1.10 lakh hectares of land have been affected, and of them, 34,000 hectares in eight districts were severely affected. The most-affected districts are Bargarh, Sambalpur, Nuapada, Subarnapur, Ganjam, Koraput Kalahandi and Balangir.
The Development Commissioner directed the Collectors to distribute compensation to drought-affected farmers within seven days. Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said Rs 216 crore has been given to the Collectors for distribution of drought assistance.
The Government has issued two emergency phone numbers for farmers to lodge their grievances and get solutions from officials. The numbers are 18001801551 and 0674-6530653. The first number will remain active between 6 am till 10 pm all day and the second from 10 am till 5 pm through the week.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Sourav Garg directed the Agriculture Officers to implement the Pesticide Act norms strictly.