Continuous unseasonal rain, hailstorms, and strong winds over the past nine days have impacted crops across the Nashik district. A preliminary report from the Agriculture Department indicates damage to crops on 4,240 hectares between May 5 and 11, affecting 15,244 farmers across 658 villages.
Mango and onion crops are the most affected, with damage reported on 2,035 hectares and 1,271 hectares, respectively. Additionally, 171 hectares of onion nurseries, 395 hectares of various vegetables, 94 hectares of tomatoes, and 69 hectares of pomegranates have sustained damage.
The adverse weather comes at a time when farmers were harvesting summer onions. These harvested onions, stored in barns and left to dry in fields, were soaked due to the rain. The abrupt weather shift in early May, characterized by heavy rainfall, hail, and strong winds, has prompted questions about the potential early arrival of the monsoon season.
Surgana and Peth talukas are the worst affected, with Surgana reporting 195 villages and 4,511 farmers impacted, while Peth has 145 villages and 4,819 farmers affected. Other affected areas include Trimbakeshwar with 56 villages (589 farmers), Baglan with 24 villages (1,116 farmers), Chandwad with 12 villages (1,584 farmers), and Niphad with 31 villages (392 farmers). Kalwan, Sinnar, Malegaon, Yeola, Nandgaon, Igatpuri, and Dindori have also reported damage.
Officials note that the crop damage survey is ongoing, and the total affected area may increase. Farmers are currently awaiting government assistance as they face financial losses due to these unseasonal conditions.
Source: Lokmat Times