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

10.03.2023 1204 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

01.09.2026

South Africa - Grain SA calls for affordable crop insurance as dry weather threatens Swartland wheat

Severe rainfall shortages threatening the Swartland wheat crop have highlighted the need for government support to make crop insurance affordable for dryland producers.

01.09.2026

USA - Florida farms face nation’s highest disaster loss rate

Natural disasters destroy billions of dollars in U.S. agricultural production each year. From drought and wildfires in the West to hail in the Midwest and hurricanes in the Southeast, farms lose an average of $5.1 billion in crops and livestock annually, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

01.09.2026

Luxembourg small farmer struggles with effects of high temperatures on crops

High temperatures over the summer caused an increase of certain pests harmful to vegetables.

01.09.2026

Nearly 8,000 acres of crops damaged due to dry weather in Sri Lanka

Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said that the estimated crop damage caused so far by the prevailing extreme dry weather conditions is nearly 8,000 acres of farmland belonging to around 7,000 farmers.

01.09.2026

Cyprus - Storm damage recorded in 183 homes as crop losses assessed

Damage to 183 homes, mainly in the Nicosia district, has been recorded following the severe weather that hit Cyprus last Saturday, the interior ministry said on Monday.

01.09.2026

USA - New USDA initiative aims to spur cattle herd rebuilding with insurance, conservation program grazing changes

New insurance options, emergency grazing authorities on Grassland Conservation Reserve Program acres, and guaranteed loans for regional meat processors are among the elements of a package unveiled by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins Monday to encourage producers to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd. 

30.08.2026

Serbia's Drought Halves Crop Yields, Few Farms Insured

Drought in July and August 2026 cut yields by more than half in parts of Serbia, but only 15 percent of farmland is insured. A corn policy costs about 4,500 dinars per hectare.

30.08.2026

India - Maharashtra Approves ₹23.33 Crore Aid For 17,245 Farmers Hit By Crop Damage

The Maharashtra government has sanctioned ₹23.33 crore in relief for 17,245 farmers whose crops were damaged by floods, excessive rainfall, cyclones and hailstorms.