The recent spells of heavy rain damaged crops on 59,000 hectares in Maharashtra, including 33,000 hectares of field crops and 26,000 hectares of fruit crops. The state has lost onion crop on 14,000 hectares in just two days in December, followed by grapes, pomegranates, and rabi jowar, said a preliminary survey by the agricultural department.

Officials from the department said the crop loss wouldn't impact the prices immediately. However, it may lead to shortage of fruits and vegetables in the market early next year. "Close to 80% of grapes were destroyed in Nashik because of untimely heavy rain. Production of crops such as grapes, pomegranate and onions are expected to be affected by about 60%. However, the clear picture of the quantum of loss will be visible in a month's time," an official said.

The department is currently collecting data on the total losses, after which a final report will be prepared. Another official said a deficient rainfall at the beginning of the monsoon this year affected production. "The recent heavy rain will not only affect production of some major crops but also their quality," he said.

Officials at the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) said the arrival of vegetables or fruits in the marker has not been impacted so far. "However, the impact would be visible after a couple of months. Loss of onion crop will be seen only after January or February. Same is the case with other vegetables like tomatoes, coriander, among others. Besides, much of the damage was done in north Maharashtra, whereas produce in Pune's APMC comes from surrounding regions," he added.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently suggested contingency measures for hail-hit horticultural crops in the state during the first fortnight of December. A report by ICAR said damage to agricultural and horticultural crops due to hail storm was believed to be severe in some villages like Ruee, Satana, Chandwad and Wadner Bhairav. "Crops like grapes, pomegranate, onion, maize, vegetables and wheat in these areas were damaged and the extent of damage is being assessed. Apart from Nashik district, some areas in Dhule and Jalgaon districts were also affected. Leaf shedding, damages to fruits, branches, flower, fruit drop were the type of damages that the hail storm brought. The initial report had stated that 38,000 hectare of area was affected by the hail strom," the report said.

Source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/