WEATHER CONDITIONS HEIGHTEN FARMERS’ CONCERNS

WEATHER CONDITIONS HEIGHTEN FARMERS’ CONCERNS

30-OCT-ENG 17

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Unseasonal rain and strong winds, triggered by the impact of cyclonic storm 'Arnav' in Bihar, have deepened concerns among farmers. In Bhojpur district and several other parts of southwestern Bihar, the sudden shift in weather has cast a shadow of crisis over the standing, ready-to-harvest paddy crops. At a time when most farmers' crops have ripened and the harvest season is underway, the persistent rainfall has emerged as a major challenge for agriculture.

Former MLA Bhai Dinesh stated that warnings of rain, strong winds, and storms across several districts—including Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Arwal, and Aurangabad—are a cause for great concern among farmers. He noted that while some farmers have completed their paddy harvest, many others are still in the process. For those who left their harvested paddy in the fields to dry, there is an increased risk that the crop could become waterlogged and begin to rot.

Continuous rain can lead to increased moisture levels in the paddy, which threatens the quality of the grain. Harvested crops may face issues such as rotting, fungal growth, and discoloration. Meanwhile, strong winds could cause standing paddy crops to flatten, which would not only increase the labor and costs required for harvesting but could also negatively impact overall yields.

Bhai Dinesh emphasized that farmers have invested significant hard work, time, and capital into cultivating these crops. Under these circumstances, adverse weather conditions could lead to a severe financial crisis for them. Beyond paddy, other crops—including vegetables—currently in the fields are also at risk of being damaged by the rain and strong winds. However, an accurate assessment of the actual damage will only be possible after the Agriculture Department conducts field surveys.

The former MLA has urged the Bihar government, the district administration, and the Agriculture Department to deploy a special team of agricultural officials to conduct on-site surveys of crop damage across the entire Bhojpur district, including the Jagdishpur assembly constituency. He stated that for farmers whose standing crops have flattened or whose harvested crops have been ruined by the rain, an impartial assessment of the losses should be carried out, and compensation—along with crop damage grants—should be provided in accordance with the rules.

He also called for the mobilization of Agriculture Department officials at the panchayat and block levels to provide farmers with essential guidance on drainage, safe storage, and crop protection. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to make the application and verification process for affected farmers simple, transparent, and time-bound.

Bhai Dinesh appealed to farmers to exercise extra caution during adverse weather conditions. He advised them to move harvested crops to a safe location whenever possible, cover any paddy left in the open with tarpaulins, and ensure proper drainage in their fields. He also cautioned against working in open fields during storms, thunderstorms, or lightning.

He remarked that farmers are the backbone of the nation’s and the state’s economy. When crops—grown through their hard work—are destroyed by the vagaries of the weather, it directly impacts the livelihoods of their families. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the government and the administration to assess the losses in a timely manner and provide appropriate relief and assistance to the affected farmers, ensuring they do not have to face an economic crisis.