Kolkata: An initial survey by state officials revealed loss of crops across 25,000 hectares in East Midnapore, Hooghly and Howrah due to Cyclone Dana, East Midnapore alone accounted for a loss of over 20,000 hectares. Paddy, flower and betel cultivators, especially in E Midnapore, were the worst hit.
Paddy growers in East Burdwan and West Midnapore were also badly affected. In some districts, ponds and fisheries had been flooded, said an official, adding affected districts were in the process of submitting preliminary reports to the agriculture department. He cautioned that the loss of crops and fish might lead to price rise ahead of Diwali.
CM Mamata Banerjee has announced that farmers can claim insurance for damaged crops till Nov 30. Depending on the damage assessment, the govt would offer assistance. tnn