Key Points
- Unseasonal rains and hailstorms have caused severe crop damage across Maharashtra, especially in Nashik, Sangli, Solapur, and Vidarbha.
- Over 17,000 farmers in North Maharashtra alone have been affected, with losses to grapes, onions, wheat, and other crops.
- IMD warns of more heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms in Maharashtra and several eastern and northeastern states over the next four days.
- Wind speeds may reach up to 60 km/h; citizens are advised to stay indoors.
- Government officials and MPs are demanding urgent compensation and relief for affected farmers.
New Delhi: Unseasonal rains and hailstorms have battered large parts of Maharashtra, leaving thousands of farmers reeling from heavy crop losses. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now issued a fresh warning for the next four days, predicting more heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and hailstorms across Maharashtra and several eastern and northeastern states.
Widespread Crop Damage Across Maharashtra
The impact of the erratic weather has been most severe in North Maharashtra, where over 11,000 hectares of crops have been damaged, affecting more than 17,000 farmers in 271 villages across Nashik, Dhule, Jalgaon, and Nandurbar districts. Nashik, known as the grape bowl of India, has seen 20-25% of its grape crop destroyed, with individual farmers reporting financial losses of up to ₹2.5 lakh per farm. Onion, wheat, gram, maize, jowar, and bajra crops have also suffered extensive damage.
In Sangli and Solapur, high-speed winds and hailstorms have uprooted vineyards and destroyed watermelon farms, pushing many farmers into debt and uncertainty about the next crop cycle. The persistent moisture has also raised fears of fungal infections, threatening future harvests.
IMD Issues Fresh Alerts: More Rain, Hailstorms, and Strong Winds
The IMD has forecasted that the unseasonal weather will continue, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning expected in Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland over the next four days. Wind speeds could reach 40-60 km/h, and hailstorms are likely in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The IMD attributes these conditions to a low-pressure system and cyclonic circulation over central India.
Residents in affected states have been advised to stay indoors unless necessary, as the combination of rain, hail, and strong winds poses risks to both life and property.
Farmers Demand Relief, Government Promises Compensation
Local MPs and state officials have visited the worst-hit areas, promising swift compensation and relief for affected farmers. Crop assessment surveys are underway, and the Maharashtra government has assured financial aid to those who have suffered losses. However, many farmers remain anxious, as falling crop prices and export cancellations add to their woes.
“We now fear that we won’t even recover our input costs, pushing us into debt. We urge the government to intervene immediately and provide compensation, financial assistance and ensure swift processing of crop insurance claims to help us recover from this setback,” said a grape grower from Nashik.
Looking Ahead: Climate Resilience Needed
As unseasonal rains become more frequent, experts and farmers alike are calling for stronger climate-resilient agricultural policies and better disaster preparedness. The coming days will be crucial as Maharashtra and other states brace for more unpredictable weather and its impact on rural livelihoods.
