Jalgaon: Storms Damage Crops Across 9,381 Hectares; 16,635 Farmers Hit

Jalgaon: Unseasonal rains accompanied by strong winds on March 30 have caused widespread damage to crops across the district, affecting as many as 16,635 farmers in 13 talukas. Crops over an area of 9,381 hectares have been severely impacted, dealing a major setback to the farming community.

According to preliminary reports submitted by the Agriculture Department, Erandol taluka has suffered the highest losses, both in terms of affected farmers and damaged crop area.

The sudden spell of rain, coupled with winds blowing at speeds of 50 to 60 km/h, struck at a critical time when Rabi crops were nearing harvest. Standing crops such as wheat, maize, sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), and banana plantations have been extensively damaged.

Taluka-wise Damage Report:

Erandol: 7,287 farmers | 5,017 hectares

Parola: 4,680 farmers | 1,975 hectares

Bhadgaon: 3,273 farmers | 1,493 hectares

Pachora: 1,250 farmers | 771 hectares

Chalisgaon: 1,302 farmers | 476 hectares

Dharangaon: 675 farmers | 365 hectares

Muktainagar: 558 farmers | 404 hectares

Jamner: 552 farmers | 476 hectares

Bodwad: 198 farmers | 57 hectares

Jalgaon: 161 farmers | 133 hectares

Yawal: 73 farmers | 111 hectares

Crop-wise, maize has been affected across 3,633 hectares, followed by sorghum (3,139 hectares), pearl millet (1,065 hectares), and banana plantations (209 hectares).

The Agriculture Department has forwarded its preliminary assessment to the District Collector and the Divisional Joint Director of Agriculture. Further surveys are expected to determine the final extent of losses and facilitate relief measures for affected farmers.