Mumbai/Ahmedabad: Recent unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms have inflicted significant damage on crops in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Preliminary estimates indicate that over 1 lakh hectares of crops in Maharashtra, including sugarcane, grapes, paddy, bananas, onions, soybean, cotton, and more, have been adversely affected, reported The Indian Express
In Gujarat, the preliminary estimate indicates a staggering loss of 3-4 lakh hectares. Tragically, 27 lives were lost in Gujarat due to the unprecedented rainfall, leading to significant destruction of homes and crops.
State Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel announced a state-wide survey to assess crop damage, emphasizing that impacted farmers will be compensated in line with State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) guidelines. Despite the completion of Kharif crop harvesting, the rains have potentially damaged standing crops, especially cotton and toor crops, covering 3-4 lakh hectares.
To provide relief to affected farmers, a comprehensive loss-assessment survey has been initiated. Gujarat’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered a thorough assessment (panchnama) of the damaged crops, including grapes, cotton, soybean, and various agricultural yields. The survey will determine compensation, with full reimbursement for losses exceeding 33%.
In Maharashtra, vegetable crops in Thane and Dahanu talukas suffered damage, while extensive damage was reported in Nashik, Dhule, Nandurbar, Ahmednagar, and Pune districts. Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde highlighted the severe impact on crops across 17 districts, underscoring the urgent need for assistance.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Gujarat Congress criticized the government’s response, labeling it as a mockery of the farmers’ plight.
