Unseasonal rain, hail damage crops across 2.49 lakh hectares

Recent unseasonal rains and hailstorms have damaged an estimated 2.49 lakh hectares of ready-to-harvest Rabi crops and horticulture produce across States and Union territories, with wheat bearing the brunt and assessments still underway.

The final figures are expected to be higher after the surveys by the affected States. The reported damage till April 8 covers wheat, mustard, and chickpeas, most severely followed by horticulture crops like mango and litchi.

Major damage occurred in Rajasthan, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh just before harvest, with many farmers reporting 100 per cent loss. Alongside cereals, crops such as potato, onion and garlic in States including Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have also suffered damage.

The Centre has recently asked states to conduct a ground survey of crop losses caused by unseasonal rain in April, officials said on Wednesday, as several parts of the country reported damage to standing crops and horticulture produce. The directive comes amid concerns over losses to wheat, pulses, oilseeds and fruit crops in affected regions.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the “Unnat Krishi Mela” launch in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said unseasonal rains have damaged standing rabi crops across 2.49 lakh hectares so far. Chouhan said three departments are conducting the survey. States have been advised to complete the assessment at the earliest and submit reports so that relief measures can be considered. According to officials, a preliminary estimate is expected that over six lakh hectares of cropped area have been affected across 13 States, including Uttar Pradesh (347,366.43 ha), Maharashtra (204,704 ha) and Bihar (45,000 ha).