New Delhi, April 10: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan stated on Friday that inclement weather has impacted rabi crops across approximately 2.49 lakh hectares of farmland nationwide. Speaking to reporters prior to the Unnat Krishi Mahotsav, the minister noted that the central government is currently engaged in a comprehensive assessment to determine the total extent of the damage caused by recent hailstorms and unseasonal rainfall.
Chouhan declared that while the current figures reflect data collected through the first week of April, the evaluation process remains ongoing. He affirmed that the destruction has primarily affected wheat cultivation. The minister asserted that the government stands firmly with the farming community during this period of crisis and maintained that there is no cause for undue alarm among those affected.
The minister previously directed department officials to coordinate with state governments to compile detailed reports regarding the agricultural losses. Chouhan also held discussions with agriculture ministers from the impacted regions to review the situation and implement necessary relief measures. He stated that the administration is monitoring the fallout of the weather disturbances closely to ensure timely assistance.
Meteorological forecasts indicate that temperatures across northwest India may drop significantly by April 10 due to a fresh atmospheric disturbance. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy rainfall in northern India, as well as in southern regions including Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Experts have urged farmers in states such as Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh to take immediate precautions. The IMD maintained that growers should deploy hail nets over orchards and prioritize the harvest of matured crops to prevent further losses.
