Banana Farmers In Maharashtra’s Jalgaon Battle Heatwave To Save Crop

As temperatures soar to 45°C in Jalgaon district, banana growers are scrambling to protect their crops from heat damage. Jalgaon, the state’s largest banana-producing district, cultivates bananas across 62,000 hectares. At present, orchards in Raver and Yawal talukas are bearing fruit, but the intense heat has led to banana bunches falling prematurely from trees.

Farmers are taking urgent measures to safeguard their yield. To mitigate the effects of the heatwave, green shade nets are being installed around orchards, and barriers made of tall dried grass are being erected to block hot winds. Continuous irrigation is also being provided to prevent the trees from drying out.

Amid these challenges, the district administration has issued heatstroke advisories. In response, school timings have been revised to run from 7am to 11am. Meanwhile, several charitable residents in Jalgaon city have launched relief efforts to help citizens and travellers cope with the scorching weather.

Some families and local organisations are distributing clean, chilled drinking water to passengers at Jalgaon railway station. Volunteers await the arrival of trains and offer cold water directly to passengers’ seats. Their efforts have been especially appreciated by children and women commuters affected by the oppressive heat.