In the final week of November, farmers in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat faced distress as they were greeted by untimely rainfall and, in some instances, hailstorms.

This unforeseen weather has resulted in significant damage to both the rabi and the standing kharif crops that were ready for harvest. Farmers cultivating soybeans, cotton, onions, grapes, pomegranates, mangoes, pulses, potatoes, cumin, and papaya have all reported substantial losses.

The year 2023 has proven to be challenging for farmers in these states, starting with an unusually warm February that harmed their crops. Subsequent unseasonal rains and hailstorms in March caused extensive damage, resulting in losses exceeding ₹18,000 crore. The delayed monsoon, coupled with an exceptionally dry August, further compounded the agricultural woes.

Despite the Maharashtra government's promise in March to compensate farmers for crop damage caused by unseasonal rainfall, as of December, they are still awaiting fulfillment of this commitment. The recent damages are expected to exacerbate their losses and jeopardise the upcoming cultivation season.

Early estimates from the Maharashtra government indicate that crops spread across 60,000 hectares have been adversely affected by the November rains. Experts estimate the cumulative losses for farmers in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to exceed ₹3,000 crore, with a potential spike in vegetable prices, particularly onions.

Pushan Sharma, Director of Research at CRISIL, noted, "Onion prices were already rising, and the impact of these rains is evident in a 36% increase."

Concerns are raised about the escalating frequency of unseasonal rains in recent years. Experts emphasise the urgent need to enhance post-harvest infrastructure to mitigate farmer losses and curb volatility in the prices of vegetables, fruits, and other produce.

Pushan Sharma further emphasised, "The lack of post-harvest infrastructure led to additional losses in onions and a shortage of processing facilities for tomatoes."

Implementing these solutions requires both political will and on-the-ground execution. Until concerted efforts are made by the central and state governments to enact structural measures, ensure timely intervention, and provide post-harvest infrastructure, farmers will continue to be vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns.

Source - https://www.cnbctv18.com