Pune district in India is experiencing agricultural disruptions due to unseasonal rain over the past 48 hours, affecting over 100 hectares of crops. Officials from the district's agriculture office reported damage to high-value crops, particularly mangoes and grapes, which are at a critical harvesting stage. The rain also impacted green vegetable crops, maize, and summer bajra, which were flattened by accompanying strong winds.
Farmers in areas like Junnar and Ambegaon are assessing the damage. The district agriculture officer indicated that a comprehensive evaluation would be conducted to determine the full extent of the destruction. The initial impact has led to calls for state-level intervention and relief measures.
While some regions suffered, areas such as Baramati and Indapur benefited from the rainfall, alleviating their water crisis. However, the overall impact of the rain remains mixed, with losses in some parts offset by gains in others.
Concerns have been raised by farmers and agricultural activists regarding delayed compensation processes. They fear that relief funds may not be timely, especially since compensation is often issued months post-damage. Activists stress the need for prompt relief before the monsoon season to aid recovery and preparation for the next planting cycle. The government's slow response in providing compensation raises questions about the relief framework's effectiveness. Many farmers argue that the compensation rarely covers their actual losses and call for revised rates, particularly for grapes, which have high capital investment needs.
Statewide, the agriculture commissioner confirmed that over 7,000 hectares of crops have been affected by the rains. Horticulture and vegetable crops in districts like Latur, Sangli, and Kolhapur are severely damaged. The Konkan belt, known for mango and cashew plantations, has also suffered, potentially leading to price hikes in local fruit markets.
As assessments continue, Maharashtra's agricultural sector, particularly in the Pune district, faces challenges. The sector's reliance on timely and adequate compensation is a major concern. With the monsoon season nearing, the ability of farmers to recover depends on the responsiveness of state and local authorities. The coming weeks will be critical in determining Pune's agricultural resilience.
Source: Urban Acres