Unseasonal rain damages 3,261 hectares in Marathwada; 3 dead, 5,409 farmers hit

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Unseasonal rain and hailstorms over the past two days have affected 5,409 farmers across 122 villages in Marathwada, damaging crops on 3,261.52 hectares. The worst impact was reported from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district with 2,665 hectares affected.

Earlier, between March 18 and 20, heavy rain and hailstorms had already damaged nearly 12,000 hectares. Before assessments were completed, another spell from March 30 to 31 brought gusty winds, lightning and heavy showers, damaging wheat, maize and fruit crops including oranges, mangoes, papayas and watermelons. Rain resumed again on April 1 evening. Of the total loss, 827.05 hectares are dryland crops, 1,253.80 hectares irrigated crops and 1,180.67 hectares fruit orchards. Two persons in Jalna and one in Beed died in rain-related incidents, while one person was injured in Jalna. Livestock losses include 49 animals 25 large and 9 small milch animals, and 13 large and 2 small draught animals.

District-wise crop loss (hectares):

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar – 2,665.00

Jalna – 500.00

Nanded – 92.52

Beed – 4.00

Total – 3,261.52 hectares