Continuous rainfall from October 11 to 13 in Nashik, India, has resulted in damage to various crops over 45,000 hectares. The Agriculture Department's preliminary reports suggest that around 73,350 farmers in 489 villages have been affected, with expectations for this number to rise post-survey. Vegetable crops, which thrive in drought conditions, have also suffered, with the highest damage in Satana and Malegaon.
Furthermore, the rain has adversely affected onion crops, causing harvested and late-planted onions to sprout prematurely. This has raised concerns over potential rot. In the fruit sector, grapevines in Chandwad, Dindori, and Baglan talukas have been damaged, posing a risk of rot due to weakened grape bunches. This may lead to vineyard owners incurring additional costs for disease control, particularly for downy mildew, estimated at 658.72 USD per hectare. Pomegranate orchards in Satana taluka have also experienced damage, with future harvests now at risk of disease.
Kailas Shirsat, the District Superintendent Agriculture Officer, emphasized the importance of crop insurance and the need for affected farmers to notify within 72 hours for survey and assessment purposes. Inspections, or Panchnamas, have commenced in the damaged regions to evaluate the extent of the loss.
"Panchnamas have started in the affected areas. Farmers participating in crop insurance are expected to give immediate advance notice within 72 hours. Also, instructions have been given regarding the survey in the damaged areas," stated Shirsat. The focus on fruit crops, particularly grapes, and pomegranates, highlights the broader agricultural challenges faced in Nashik following the unexpect heavy rainfall.
Source: Free Press Journal