Rains damage rabi crops

BHAWANIPATNA: Hailstorm and heavy rains on Monday damaged the rabi crops in many areas of Kalahandi district.  The worst-affected blocks are Bhawanipatna, Kesinga and Narla.Sources said crops like onion, oilseeds and pulses have been damaged. Deputy Director of Agriculture Amareswar Mishra on Tuesday visited some of the affected villages. He said the preliminary reports on the damage have been submitted to the district administration and the Director of Agriculture.  Mishra, after visiting Phatkamal and Adhmunda villages under Bhawanipatna block, said crops like moong, biri, sunflower and vegetable crops had been damaged on a large-scale.  “Field staff of the Agriculture Department have been sent to other affected areas for damage assessment,” he added. Meanwhile, as many as 15 persons were injured in the hailstorm and have been admitted to Pastikudi and Bhawanipatna hospitals.