Rain, hailstorm lead to crop loss across 80K hectare in Maharashtra

With the India Meteorological Department predicting intermittent showers and lightning again on March 25, farmers’ woes are far from over in state.
Last week, several parts of Maharashtra had experienced untimely rain and hailstorm for almost five days, followed by a second spell of rain and
hailstorm.

Of the eight districts in Marathwada region, Nanded, Hingoli and Parbhani were among the worst affected. In Vidarbha region, rain and hailstorm had affected crops in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Washim, Yavatmal, Nagpur, Wardha, Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli.

In north Maharashtra, districts hit by rains include Dhule, Nandurbar, Nashik and Jalgaon. Apart from rabi crops, cultivation of oranges, bananas, pomegranate and grapes have also been affected.

The untimely rain has also wreaked havoc on onion growers. The surplus stock of onions had earlier led to a sharp fall in the price of the vegetable, from Rs 1,100 per quintal to Rs 450 per quintal, in early February. The intense rain has added to the crisis.

While the state government has announced Rs 350 per quintal subsidy for onion, opposition parties and onion farmers have demanded Rs 500 to Rs 600 per quintal.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Farmers’ well-being is high priority for us. We assure full help to the farmers to tide over the crisis.” State Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil had informed the Legislative Assembly that panchanamas on the crop loss will be completed within the next two to three days. Once the extent of the actual loss is ascertained, financial aid will be provided to the farmers.

However, opposition leader Ajit Pawar has sought immediate financial assistance for farmers.