Sand deposits bury paddy fields in Subarnapur after Odisha floods, farmers face loss

Floodwaters have receded in parts of Odisha, but farmers in Subarnapur district are facing severe losses as sand deposits have buried vast stretches of paddy fields, according to local reports.

The worst-hit area is Sakama village under Mahadevpali Panchayat in Binika tehsil. Floodwaters from the Anga River inundated agricultural land, leaving acres of fertile farmland covered with thick layers of sand. A photograph distributed by OTV shows the agriland submerged in flood water, illustrating the scale of the inundation.

The damage has dealt a severe blow to farmers who had invested heavily in this season's paddy cultivation. According to locals, cultivators had spent between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 per acre, mostly through loans, to prepare their fields and transplant paddy saplings. The flood has wiped out their crops, turning productive farmland into sand beds and dashing hopes of a successful harvest.

What are farmers saying about the flood damage?

The loss has left farmers worried about repaying their debts and sustaining their livelihoods. Many have appealed to the state government for immediate financial assistance and compensation.

“ The farmland was submerged for three days causing a widespread loss. Even after informing the administration, no one has turned up,” said a farmer. Another farmer echoed similar concerns: “We will face a huge loss this season. All our efforts and labour went in vain.”

Locals have repeatedly expressed frustration over the lack of administrative response after they reported the submergence of their fields. Their appeals for state support reflect the urgency of addressing both immediate losses and the longer‑term challenges of restoring the land.

What is the long‑term impact on agriculture?

While the floodwaters have receded, the extent of damage to agriculture highlights the long‑term impact of flooding on rural communities. Farmers say restoring the sand‑covered fields for cultivation will require considerable effort and resources, making the road to recovery both uncertain and challenging.

Experts familiar with the region note that removing sand deposits and replenishing soil fertility could involve substantial labour, machinery, and financial input—resources that many smallholder farmers currently lack. Without timely assistance, the prospect of returning to normal paddy cultivation in the coming seasons remains uncertain, prolonging the economic strain on households that rely on agriculture for their livelihoods.

The situation in Subarnapur underscores how extreme weather events can disrupt not only immediate crop yields but also the broader economic stability of farming communities, leaving them dependent on external aid to rebuild and resume production.

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