Bhubaneswar, Oct. 21 -- The looming formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has once again sparked anxiety among farmers in Odisha's Gajapati district.Haunted by memories of last year's devastating rains, maize cultivators in the region, particularly in Mohana block, have begun harvesting their crops earlier than usual, determined not to relive another season of loss.

Scenes from the fields show farmers working relentlessly under darkening skies, racing against time to secure their produce before the weather turns hostile. For many, maize cultivation is their main source of livelihood, and last year's heavy downpour had wiped out most of their yield, pushing several families into financial distress. This time, they are ta...