Standing crop worth nearly Rs. 6 crore to an extent of 2,610 hectares has been damaged in the rainfall in Adilabad district on September 23 and 24.
According to a preliminary report on crop damage prepared by the Agriculture Department, nearly 1,600 farmers lost their crops in 57 villages in 11 mandals where the rainfall was heavy during the two days.
According to the report, cotton was damaged in 1,614 hectares, soyabean on 532 hectares, maize - 350 hectares, besides paddy and black gram was damaged on 100 hectares and 14 hectares respectively. The report listed villages in mandals of Khanapur, Indervelli, Utnoor, Neredigonda, Ichoda, Kubeer, Bhainsa, Kuntala, Sarangapur, Nirmal and Dilawarpur.
Meanwhile, officials working in the Agency mandals in the district, who are on leave, have to report back on duty with immediate effect, according to orders issued by Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) Project Officer R.V. Karnan. The leaves of officials were cancelled and zonal officials were asked not to sanction leave in view of the damage and dislocation caused by the heavy rainfall of the last few days in the Agency areas.
Mr. Karnan visited a few villages in Utnoor mandal to assess the damage to standing crops. He asked village revenue officers to make an assessment of the damage and submit a report soon. He said there was damage to cotton, soyabean and maize crops besides a few other varieties due to the rainfall.
A round the clock control room with phone number 08731-275258 has been opened at the Utnoor Tahsildar's office.