Dhamtari, October 26 (Udaipur Kiran) — With the festive season of Diwali and Bhai Dooj now over, paddy harvesting and threshing activities have picked up momentum across rural areas of Dhamtari district. Farmers and labourers are working tirelessly from morning till evening, using both sickles and harvesters to bring in the season’s Kharif crop.
However, the recent change in weather has left farmers anxious. For the past two days, cloudy skies and light rain have been observed across Dhamtari city and nearby villages, including Shyamtarai Road, Sorem, Potiadih, Dodki, Harfatarai, and Bhanpuri. Even after the rain subsided, overcast conditions persisted, raising fears of potential crop damage.
To prevent losses, most farmers are now turning to mechanized harvesting using harvesters to speed up the process. “The crop is fully ripe now, and if heavy rain occurs, the harvested paddy could spoil, leading to major losses,” said a local farmer.
The simultaneous start of harvesting after the festive season has also led to a shortage of farm labourers, forcing many farmers to rely on machines. Despite these challenges — from weather uncertainty to pest attacks — farmers remain vigilant about protecting their yield.
Reports of pest infestations have also emerged from areas like Shyamtarai, Shankardah, Bhatgaon, Khartuli, Mujgahan, Khapri, Ratnabandha, and Demar, where golden paddy fields are ready for harvest. With cloudy skies lingering, farmers continue to look up, hoping the rains stay away until the crop is safely stored.
Dr. Shakti Verma, Senior Agricultural Scientist at the Sambalpur Center, said that pest activity is common during periods of sudden weather change. He advised farmers to consult agricultural experts before spraying pesticides, rather than relying on random chemical treatments.
For now, light drizzle has given way to clearer skies — and farmers are praying that the weather remains stable long enough for them to secure their hard-earned produce.