DHAKA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladeshi government has put the total crop damage at about 380 million taka (4.5 million U.S. dollars) due to cyclone Fani in the country.
Preliminary calculations revealed that the crops in about 63,063 hectares of land have been damaged, Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzak said Tuesday.
Briefing reporters at his ministry office, Razzak said the severe cyclonic storm Fani that hit the country's coastal areas on Saturday had damaged crops including paddy, maize, vegetables and jute on some 63,063 hectares of land, affecting around 13,631 farmers in 35 districts, more than half of the country.
The minister said the government is providing seeds, fertiliser and cash to farmers under a rehabilitation program.
At least six people were killed as cyclone Fani slammed Bangladesh's coastlines after making landfall in the southern region on Saturday.
Officials said Fani damaged houses, uprooted trees, snapped power and communication lines, and disrupted rail, road and air traffic.
