Unseasonal Rain and Winds Wreak Havoc on Mango Orchards in Marathwada
Parts of Marathwada, including Nanded, Parbhani, and Dharashiv districts, were hit by unseasonal rain accompanied by gusty winds on Sunday evening, leading to significant damage to mango orchards. Some areas in Tuljapur taluka also reported hailstorms, exacerbating the impact on agricultural lands.
Adverse Weather Amid IMD Yellow Alert
The adverse weather conditions occurred as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a yellow alert for several parts of Marathwada. Farmers expressed concern as the sudden spells of rain and strong winds struck mango crops at a critical pre-harvest stage, threatening their livelihoods.
Impact on Mango Cultivation
Mango cultivation in the region, featuring popular varieties like Kesar and several local types, has been severely affected. Heavy winds caused fruits to fall prematurely, leading to large-scale fruit drop. Santosh Dadke, a farmer from Parbhani, highlighted the situation, stating, "The mango season is nearing harvest, and the strong winds have led to large-scale fruit drop. Mango cultivation provides supplementary income to farmers, but the current weather is inflicting huge losses."
Farmers Demand Insurance Coverage
In response to the losses, farmers' leader Jayaji Suryawanshi has demanded that the damages be brought under government insurance coverage. He emphasized, "Such a proposal was discussed earlier, but no concrete policy has been implemented. Extending insurance protection to mango cultivation would benefit farmers not only in Marathwada, but also in Konkan and other mango-growing regions." This call for action aims to provide financial security to farmers facing unpredictable weather events.
IMD Forecast and Ongoing Weather Conditions
According to the IMD forecast, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, light to moderate rainfall, and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated places across many parts of Marathwada on Tuesday. Officials noted that Latur and Dharashiv districts may continue to experience similar weather conditions for at least the next 48 hours, posing further risks to agriculture.
Broader Impact of Unseasonal Summer Rain
Marathwada has already witnessed the detrimental effects of unseasonal summer rain this season. Reports indicate at least six lightning-related deaths and crop damage over nearly 16,000 hectares. This ongoing pattern of adverse weather underscores the vulnerability of the region's agricultural sector and the urgent need for protective measures.
