Shivraj Takes Cognisance of Crop Damage Caused by Heavy Rainfall and Hailstorms Across Several States

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has taken cognisance of widespread crop damage caused by heavy rainfall and hailstorms across several states, directing officials to conduct an urgent assessment of losses.

The minister instructed senior officials in the Agriculture Ministry to coordinate with state authorities and gather detailed reports on the extent of damage to standing crops. The unseasonal weather, driven by active western disturbances, has impacted key rabi crops such as wheat, mustard, pulses, and horticultural produce at a critical harvesting stage.

According to a press release, Chouhan has assured farmers that they need not worry and that, in this hour of crisis, the Modi Government stands with them. He also discussed the issue of crop damage due to hailstorms and heavy rains with agriculture ministers of the affected states.

According to officials, preliminary inputs indicate varying degrees of crop loss, particularly in northern and central regions, where sudden hailstorms and gusty winds have flattened ready-to-harvest crops.

Agricultural experts have flagged concerns over both yield and grain quality, especially in wheat, where excess moisture and lodging can significantly reduce market value. In addition, damage to fruits and vegetables is likely to disrupt supply chains and affect prices in local markets.

The Centre is expected to work in coordination with state governments to expedite crop damage surveys and facilitate assistance under existing relief frameworks, including the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and crop insurance schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

Recent weather events, driven by active western disturbances, have triggered hailstorms and heavy rains, particularly affecting rabi crops such as wheat, mustard, gram, and horticultural produce nearing harvest. States reporting notable crop damage include:

Rajasthan: Districts such as Jaipur, Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Churu, and Sikar have witnessed extensive damage to wheat, mustard, cumin, isabgol, and vegetables. In some villages, fields were covered with a thick layer of hail, leading to significant losses.

Uttar Pradesh: More than 4,000 hectares across 17 districts have been affected, with strong winds, rain, and hail flattening wheat and mustard crops. Farmers in areas such as Prayagraj and western Uttar Pradesh have reported substantial losses.

Madhya Pradesh: Hailstorms and heavy rains have damaged standing wheat, gram, and other crops in multiple districts, with concerns over spoilage due to increased moisture.

Other affected regions include parts of Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra (Vidarbha and Marathwada), and northern Karnataka, where horticultural crops such as grapes, pomegranates, and onions have also suffered in some areas.

Weather Forecast 

The India Meteorological Department has attributed the erratic weather to successive western disturbances, warning of continued instability in weather patterns over parts of north India in the coming days.

The IMD has issued further alerts, warning of a fresh western disturbance likely to affect northwest India from April 7 to 10. This may bring widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and hailstorms across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of central India.