Unseasonal rainfall, strong winds, and hailstorms have affected crops across more than 61,000 hectares in 27 districts of Maharashtra, India, with banana plantations accounting for a large share of the reported losses. According to the Agriculture Department, adverse weather during May and June 2026 affected 61,004 hectares of agricultural land, including 18,121 hectares planted with bananas.

Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane chaired a review meeting to assess damage to fruit crops caused by stormy weather. Government officials, district representatives, and insurance company representatives attended the meeting. The minister instructed authorities and insurance agencies to accelerate crop-loss surveys and compensation procedures.

According to the Agriculture Department, severe weather between June 1 and June 8 resulted in damage to standing crops across 18,908 hectares in 14 districts. The survey and panchanama (damage assessment) process is currently underway.

Jalgaon was among the most affected districts. Between June 1 and June 7, crop losses were reported across 5,471 hectares in nine talukas: Jalgaon, Bhusawal, Yawal, Raver, Muktainagar, Parola, Pachora, Bhadgaon, and Bodwad. Affected crops included banana, papaya, lemon, mango, pomegranate, and vegetables.

In Solapur district, losses were reported across 4,110 hectares in Akkalkot, Madha, Karmala, Pandharpur, Sangola, and Malshiras talukas. Damaged crops included banana, pomegranate, grapes, mango, lemon, papaya, guava, sugarcane, and vegetables.

Buldhana district recorded damage across 4,981 hectares in Sangrampur, Chikhli, Khamgaon, Jalgaon Jamod, and Shegaon talukas. Banana, orange, mosambi, papaya, and lemon crops were affected between June 1 and June 6.

Mr Bharane stated that 61,004 hectares across 27 districts were affected during May and June 2026, with banana accounting for 18,121 hectares. He noted that 7,594 hectares in Jalgaon district were affected during the period, including 7,216 hectares planted with banana.

"Significant damage occurred particularly due to rainfall on June 6, and an accurate assessment of the losses is necessary. District-wise reviews have revealed substantial damage to fruit crops in districts such as Jalgaon, Buldhana, Solapur, Pune, Akola and Amravati," the minister said.

He added: "Instructions have been issued to the district administration and the Revenue Department to expedite the completion of the panchanama process."

The Agriculture Insurance Company of India has started surveys in the affected areas, and authorities expect all panchanamas to be completed within the next 10 days.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com