Berhampur: Farmers in Ganjam district are worried over the IMD’s forecast of heavy rain under the influence of a likely cyclonic storm in Bay of Bengal. The low pressure over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is projected to escalate into a cyclonic storm by Oct 26 morning. Under its influence, heavy rain is likely to lash southern Odisha, including Ganjam.The paddy crop is now in the milking stage in several areas of Ganjam district. Standing crops will be affected by heavy rain and strong wind. The crop will be lost if it falls on the ground. “I have cultivated the long-duration paddy and very worried about the cyclone,” said Niranjan Mohanty, a farmer in Kukudakhandi block’s Baiganabadi village.Similar anxiety was expressed by farmers. “We don’t know what to do if it rains heavily,” said Damodar Reddy, a farmer in Aska. Due to heavy rain and subsequent floods due to deep depression in the first week of this month, the district suffered 33% crop loss in over 3,402 hectares and agriculture loss was estimated at over Rs 5.41 crore.Govt provided Rs 6.61 crore, including Rs 4.52 crore for agriculture input subsidy to the district. The fresh prediction of the cyclone heightened concerns among farmers about the potential crop loss.Chief district agriculture officer (CDAO) Manoranjan Roul said the possibilities of the damage would depend on the intensity of the cyclone and its impact. As most farmers transplanted paddy late this year and took long-duration varieties, their crops are likely to be saved if the velocity of the wind is less, he said. Paddy has been cultivated on 2.16 lakh hectares during the kharif season as against last year’s 1.87 lakh hectares, sources said.