Odisha govt declares drought in 9 districts

The announcement comes after a Bhubaneswar rally, planned earlier this week by farmers across the state to demand higher prices for their produce, was foiled by the government. The police did not allow various farmers’ groups to board trains and buses to Bhubaneswar from different parts of the state.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday announced a special package for farmers, fishermen, weavers and students affected by last month’s Cyclone Titli.

The package mandates that agriculture input subsidy will be provided to small and marginal farmers who have sustained crop loss of at least 33 per cent at Rs 6,800 per hectare in rain fed or non-irrigated areas, and Rs 13,500 per hectare in areas under assured irrigation.