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

10.03.2023 1243 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

01.10.2026

India - Kitchen budget in Mumbai takes a hit as veggie prices rise amid crop loss, low supply

Vegetable prices in Mumbai have risen sharply after Ganeshotsav and with the onset of Pitrupaksha, as erratic monsoon conditions, crop damage and lower arrivals tightened supplies, said traders. 

01.10.2026

Togo Plans Pilot Agricultural Insurance Scheme for Young Farmers and Entrepreneurs

Togo’s PAJEC entrepreneurship program plans to launch a pilot agricultural insurance scheme. The government has issued a call for expressions of interest to select a provider to design and roll out the scheme.

01.10.2026

India - Soybean prices recover as crop damage offsets pressure from rising arrivals

Indias soybean prices recovered sharply w-o-w on 30 September 2026 despite a rapid increase in new-crop arrivals, as concerns over crop damage and lower production estimates have offset pressure from increased supplies. 

01.10.2026

USA - Fruit growers face Nov. 20 crop insurance deadline

Northeast fruit growers have until Nov. 20 to purchase or update crop insurance for the 2027 crop year, according to Crop Growers, a crop insurance provider owned by Farm Credit East.

01.10.2026

IFPA releases statement on largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has called for greater collaboration between industry and public health authorities as the United States experiences what it describes as the largest Cyclospora outbreak on record.

01.10.2026

Ukraine introduces new rules for GM crops and produce

Ukraine's new law regulating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and GMO products comes into force on September 16, introducing clearer requirements for the registration, cultivation, traceability, and labelling of GM crops.

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.