Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Unseasonal rain and hailstorms in Marathwada last week damaged crops over nearly 13,000 hectares. About 7,000 hectares of wheat ready for harvest suffered losses due to thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail. Crops such as gram, maize, and bajra, along with fruit orchards including mango and sweet lime, were also affected. Preliminary reports indicate that around 22,000 farmers have suffered losses.
The Meteorological Department had forecast rain with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds across the state between March 17 and 22. Lightning strikes during the unseasonal rain claimed two lives in the region, while 41 livestock deaths were reported. Around 22,000 farmers across 533 villages have been affected. The damage includes 3,397 hectares of rainfed crops, 6,944 hectares of irrigated crops, and 1,229 hectares of fruit orchards. Meanwhile, after a brief dip due to the rains, temperatures have started rising again from Sunday.