Rainfall and hailstorms on the eve of Rabi harvest in North India

Predictions of nonseasonal rainfall and hailstorms on the eve of Rabi harvest in North India put farmers under further distress. Forecasts of more showers and storms within the next few days have put the rabi crop like wheat, mustard and mangoes, at risk.

The officials, who monitor the situation closely, warn “fairly widespread” rainfall in the next three days in north India because of a series of rain bearing weather systems.

A series of hailstorms had destroyed crops three years ago, which added to farmer misery in a drought year. Even though the impact of rain and hail has been limited to a few pockets, they can damage crops severely.

Farmers said they have already suffered some damage. “There is some damage to crops in Shamli, Meerut, Saharanpur and other places in western Uttar Pradesh. Rain has affected wheat, mustard and mangoes. We are assessing the losses. We will inform the state government Tuesday about the losses,” said Sudhir Panwar, president of the Kisan Jagriti Manch.

Agriculture ministry officials said so far there is no report from the states. It usually takes 10 to 15 days to report damage caused by weather, they added. The farmers, who are already in distress because of the MSP and procurement issues, are facing the blow of the nature at the worst time of the season.

Also Read: The agriculture ministry to take the big step to ensure MSP to farmers

Image: pixabay.com