India - Another spell of unseasonal rains coming up, more crop damage likely

10.03.2023 1241 views

Unseasonal rains are likely to come up for central and southern parts of the country during next week. Scale and intensity of weather is likely to cause extensive damage to the standing crops over many parts of the country. Dissonant weather conditions will stay longer both in space and time, as compared to the recent spell, earlier this week. 

During the run-up-to Holi, unseasonal rain and thundershowers smashed crops in substantial parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra between 06th and 08th March.  Strong winds and hailstorm literally decimated some pockets beyond recovery.  Lodging of most Rabi crops in some of the districts left anxious concern for both,  small and big farmers. To mitigate losses, state governments have ordered survey to assess the gauge of calamity.

Madhya Pradesh was the most ravaged state where nearly 18 districts were distressed, mostly located on the western half of the state, including capital city Bhopal.  Most grieved  districts included Mandsaur, Shajapur, Neemuch, Raisen, Rajgarh, Sehore, Guna, Dhar, Alirajpur, Barwani, Vidhisha, Bhopal, Ujjain and Sagar. Intense hailstorm activity lashed Dewas, Raisen, Chhindwara and Seoni.  Southern districts of Rajasthan and some eastern parts covering Dholpur, Dungarpur, Sarwad and Jaisalmer experienced inclement weather activity.  Five districts of Maharashtra, Thane and Palghar on the coast and Washim, Nashik and Aurangabad faced fury of thunderstorm and strong winds. These are crucial  locations where harvest has just commenced or it is round the corner.

Another painful  spell of thunderstorm and hailstorm is making advances. To add insult to the injury, rough weather conditions are likely over central and southern parts during next week. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha will be the select target for burdening weather conditions. Out of these, Gujarat and Rajasthan may get away with minor penalties, whereas Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra will face the brunt. Hard hitting weather conditions will extend over Peninsular India covering Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and North Karnataka. 

Interaction between multiple systems will trigger wide spread weather activity over central, eastern and southern parts of the country between 13th and 18th March, albeit in a staggered manner.  Plains of North India may get minimal intrusion of hazardous activity.  Firstly, South Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Marathwada and later Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and North Karnataka will witness fury of lightening strikes and thunderstorms. Hailstorm is quite likely over Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra on 15th and 16th March. Wandering stormy conditions may prove ruinous for some crops. However, the heat stress will ease out during the week from most parts of the country.

Source - https://www.skymetweather.com

30.09.2026

Spain - Fruit supplier targets 30-45% growth with year-round supply strategy

Senda Fruits is heading into another edition of Fruit Attraction with a clear objective: to expand its market presence and aim to meet the needs of its customers all year round. 

30.09.2026

Corn Stocks Shock U.S. Market as USDA Finds 2.1 Billion Bushels in Storage

USDA found 2.095 billion bushels of old-crop corn in storage, far above trade expectations and adding new pressure to U.S. grain markets.

30.09.2026

Namibia - Small-stock insurance could cost N$45m per region

The government is considering insurance options for livestock and crop farmers, but the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform says the cost of providing cover across the country could be high.

30.09.2026

USA - Farm Aid Faces a Critical Delay as Growers Confront Rising Costs and Mounting Debt

Congress is weighing another $11.1 billion in farm aid, but payments may slip into 2027 as producers face rising debt, diesel costs and tighter margins.

30.09.2026

Nigerian tomato processor secures US$2.5 million AgriFI investment

EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC), through the European Union-funded Agriculture Financing Initiative (AgriFI), has signed a USD 2.5 million convertible-note investment in Tomato Jos Inc., a vertically integrated tomato farming and processing business in northern Nigeria.

30.09.2026

Gene-edited non-browning bananas move closer to UK market

Gene-edited bananas designed to resist browning after peeling and slicing have moved closer to commercialisation in the UK after receiving precision-bred status in England.

29.09.2026

USA - 2,000 new reefers added alongside new transport routes

Great White Fleet Corporation (GWF), an ocean carrier specializing in temperature-controlled logistics, has announced a commercial expansion across its Pan-American and European trade networks. 

29.09.2026

UK - Rain delays grain harvest in northern Scotland and raises crop loss risks

Persistent September rains have significantly disrupted grain harvesting in northern Scotland. The most difficult situation is in Orkney and Caithness, where large areas of crops remain unharvested.