Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government today cancelled Saturday and Sunday holidays of field staff of its Agriculture and Revenue departments in 15 rain-hit districts.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ordered for cancelling of these holidays during a video conference with Collectors of 15 coastal districts at the State Secretariat here to review the situation arising out of unseasonal rains and its effect on crops in these districts.

In view of rains forecast for next two days by the IMD, the Chief Minister while asking Collectors to remain alert and monitor the situation constantly, directed field staff of Agriculture and Revenue departments to remain in constant touch with farmers and guide them. He further directed them to submit damage/loss assessment report.

“Chief Minister ordered Revenue and Agriculture department field staff to remain in constant touch with the people. Saturday and Sunday holidays have been cancelled. All field staff have been asked to remain on alert and advise people,” informed Chief Secretary A P Padhi briefing reporters after the video conference.

Similarly, the Chief Minister directed Collectors to ensure that farmers do not face any difficulties during procurement to get the minimum support price (MSP) fixed by the government.

Patnaik asked Collectors to ensure proper implementation of packages announced by the government for farmers in drought and pest affected areas so that they can undertake cultivation of Rabi crops early.