The freak weather event, which began towards the end of February and continued till March, swept across northern parts and western parts of India. Though the agriculture ministry of India is yet to ascertain the entire extent of damge to crops, substantial hit to the crops and subsequent vegetable price rise is already being observed.
Not to forget the appalling number of farmers’ suicidal cases, increasing by the day, across Indian states that includes Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.
In last ten days, eight farmers’ suicides have been reported in Lucknow followed by 11 in Kota in Rajasthan and similar number has come from Punjab as well. According to agriculture ministry, recent rains and hailstorm in different parts of the country has damaged Rabi crops in about 181 lakh hectares of land across 13 states during February 28-March 16 with UP and Rajasthan facing the brunt.
Despite the appalling situation, no relief or compensation from state or central government has been announced. On the contrary, Centre has just approved Rs 2,000-crore relief fund for areas affected by drought last year in Maharashtra. The state faced severe drought last year due to poor monsoon, affecting crop yields.
Isn’t government’s concern misplaced? Or is it a situation where nature continues with its wrath and government with its apathy?
There could have been nothing worse than the unseasonal heavy rains for farmers at a time when they were looking forward to harvesting. Due to last year’s drought conditions, only 60% of the land could have been brought under rabi crop cultivation. So this harvest season anyways held great importance, as in some ways, this harvest could have enabled the farmers to get rid of the mounting debts. However, in the wake of another spell of rain likely and lack of crop insurance, the risk to crops can not be averted.
Crop damage assessed
As per agriculture ministry's preliminary report, the maximum rabi crops damage was reported in Uttar Pradesh (97.29 lakh hectare), followed by Rajasthan (45.5 lakh hectare). Haryana has also faced the brunt with crop damage spread over 19.20 lakh hectares. Madhya Pradesh (5.7 lakh hectare), Maharashtra (3.95 lakh hectare) and Punjab has suffered loss on 3.5 lakh hectare.
Rain to ravage fields further
After back to back western disturbances witnessed since the beginning of March, another western disturbance is likely to create havoc to the rabi crops as it is expected to give rain over parts of North India from March 29th – 5th April.