MALKANGIRI: Heavy loss of kharif crops has been reported from Podia and Kalimela blocks of the district. The crop cutting report submitted to the State Government recently revealed that there has been 50 to 70 per cent (pc) crop loss in the various non-irrigated lands of Maoist-infested Kalimela and Podia blocks. Similarly, crop loss has also been recorded in irrigated lands in Tigal, Lugel, Maharajpalli, Malavaram, Telrai, Nalagunthi gram panchyats under Kalimela block and Podia, Bapanpalli, Kaldapalli, Tandabai and Bhubanpalli panchyats under Podia block. Sources said the irrigated lands are located at the tail end of the canals and hence, crop loss could have been avoided had the irrigation officials taken necessary steps at the right time. Adding to the woes of the affected farmers is the delay in provision of compensation by the State Government. The highest crop loss of 82 pc has been reported from Alma village under Motu panchayat of Podia block, followed by 80 pc in Pakanguda and Mulcompalli, 79 in Takelguda and 78 pc in Kondapalli villages under Tandabai gram panchayat of Podia block. In Kalimela block, highest of 75 pc crop loss has been reported from the tribal-dominated Marigetta village under Badigetta panchayat followed by 71 pc in Maharajpalli and Undukonda villages under Maharajpalli and Tigal gram panchayats respectively. The extent of crop loss in the two blocks has come as a headache for the State Government which is already facing severe criticism for the farmer suicides.