The Nashik district agriculture department has submitted a comprehensive panchanama report to the state government, estimating crop losses across 41,556 hectares following unseasonal heavy rainfall in March. The report seeks Rs 73.34 crore in compensation for the affected farmers.
Extent of Damage and Affected Farmers
The final assessment revealed that 65,756 farmers suffered crop losses exceeding the eligibility threshold, prompting the district administration to propose financial relief. Officials confirmed that Satana and Malegaon talukas were the worst affected due to unseasonal rainfall accompanied by hailstorms, with damage exceeding 33% in several irrigated crops and perennial orchards.
Sinnar taluka also reported crop damage, while no losses were recorded in Surgana, Trimbakeshwar, Peth, Igatpuri, and Yeola talukas, an official stated.
Compensation Norms
As per government norms cited in the proposal, compensation has been sought at Rs 17,000 per hectare for irrigated crops, Rs 22,500 per hectare for perennial fruit crops, and Rs 8,500 per hectare for rain-fed crops.
Horticulture and Major Crop Losses
Horticulture crops bore the brunt of the damage, accounting for losses over 36,641 hectares. Onion emerged as the single worst-hit crop, affected across 34,136 hectares. Wheat crops were damaged over 1,538 hectares, while maize losses were recorded across 821 hectares.
Perennial fruit crops were affected over 4,914 hectares, with pomegranate plantations suffering the maximum damage. Pomegranate orchards and grape plantations spanning 4,584 hectares and 200 hectares, respectively, were also hit.
Impact on Quality and Income
Farmers have reported both reduced yield and deterioration in quality, which is likely to impact market prices and incomes in the coming months, another official noted.
