Hailstorms hit K’jhar, damage crops

Keonjhar: Parts of Keonjhar district experienced hailstorms on Thursday, damaging crops while offering relief from heat. The thunderstorms, predicted by IMD, affected normal life as hailstones accumulated in villages.
Vegetable fields in Sadar and Jhumpura blocks were severely impacted, with crops like cabbage, tomatoes, and brinjal damaged. Many fields were submerged, leading to major losses for farmers. "We had worked hard and cultivated vegetables. But the hailstones have damaged much of our produce. The govt should provide assistance to affected farmers," said Puran Mohanta, a local farmer.
Chief district agriculture officer Parasuram Behera said, "This rain will benefit cultivation. So far, we haven't received any complaint of damage." tnn