Cyclone Montha Brings Fear of Massive Losses to Farmers in Southern Odisha

Farmer Tashi Tenzin, 45, rushed back to his village in Gajapati district, southern Odisha, to save his maize crop as Cyclone Montha approaches the coast. The storm is expected to bring torrential rain and gusty winds, threatening crops ready for harvest. Tashi's maize was almost ready to be cut, and he had planned to harvest in November. However, with the cyclone's arrival, he fears massive losses.

Key Takeaways:

• The government has placed Gajapati and seven other districts under the red zone, warning of heavy rain and strong winds over the next 36 hours.
• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Montha is very likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, around Kakinada, during Tuesday evening or night as a severe cyclonic storm, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100kmph, gusting to 110kmph.
• Maize cultivation is a significant contributor to Odisha's agriculture, with southern districts such as Nabarangpur, Gajapati, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Koraput accounting for over 91% of the state's maize production.
• The recent rainfall has already affected maize crops, and insect attacks had begun, further threatening farmers' livelihoods.
• Farmers cultivating paddy and other rabi crops are also anxious about the approaching storm, which may shatter their hopes of a successful harvest.
• The state government has deployed 140 rescue teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and fire services, to prepare for any eventualities.

Statistics:

• 45-year-old farmer Tashi Tenzin has plantations on 70 acres of land.
• Each acre of maize fields in Chandragiri yields 15-17 quintals of corn, which is sold in Bhubaneswar and other cities.
• Gajapati and seven other districts are under the red zone warning for heavy rain and strong winds over the next 36 hours.
• 140 rescue teams have been deployed to prepare for any eventualities.
• 91% of Odisha's maize production comes from southern districts such as Nabarangpur, Gajapati, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Koraput.
• 2,600 Tibetan refugees were rehabilitated in Gajapati under India's resettlement plan.

Sources:

• ABP Private Limited (2025)
• The Telegraph