Unseasonal rain and hailstorm last week have damaged standing rabi crops in several talukas across 15 districts.

It led to crop loss in 38,563 hectare, according to the agriculture department. The districts which bore the brunt are Jalgaon (8,966 hectare), Dhule (8,156 hectare), Raigad (225 hectare), Washim (475 hectare), Akola (115 hectare), Aurangabad (7,568 hectare), Ahmednagar (4,177 hectare), Nashik (4,155 hectare), Sindhudurg (43 hectare), Pune (39 hectare), Palghar (2,017 hectare), Buldhana (775 hectare), Wardha (86 hectare) and Solapur (13 hectare).

Rain and hailstorm continued for four-five days in several places, including Dhule, Jalgaon, Ahmednagar and Nashik. With “panchanamas” still underway, the crop loss figure could increase further, an official said.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured the state Legislative Assembly and Council that his government was committed to address the crisis with priority.

“We have sought a detailed report. ‘Panchanams’ are being prepared. Based on the final data, adequate compensation will be given to farmers,” he said. Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis assured that compensation will be provided to the farmers.

Opposition leader Ajit Pawar too raised the crop loss issue in the Assembly, staging a walkout and demanding compensation for farmers.

Source - https://indianexpress.com