Crop damaged

JEYPORE: For farmers of Koraput, the future appears bleak.  Erratic rainfall during September and October has damaged over 60 per cent paddy crop in the district.Sources said paddy cultivation was carried out in four lakh acres in the kharif season and the plants had grown well by August.  However, the plant growth was gradually hit in September and October due to lack of water.   The harassed farmers are now demanding drought tag to the district and ` 15,000 per acre as compensation.   The district Congress committee has also threatened to hit the streets if the demand is not met by the State Government.