Severe Hailstorm Damages Crops in Charkhi Dadari District
Significant Crop Losses Reported
In the past three weeks, unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms have caused extensive damage to crops across 37 villages in the Charkhi Dadari district, affecting approximately 23,465 acres of mustard, wheat, and vegetable fields. This assessment comes from the Agriculture Department, which noted that the hailstorms on March 1 and again on March 13 and 14 particularly impacted the agricultural areas along the Badra and Satnali roads.
Initial Damage Assessment Sent to State Headquarters
The hail has caused significant destruction, breaking branches and scattering grains on the ground. Mustard plants, which typically do not regrow after being damaged in March, have been severely affected. The Agriculture Department's teams have conducted preliminary assessments and have sent initial reports to the state headquarters, although the affected area may still be adjusted as conditions evolve.
With clouds still lingering and the possibility of further rain, the final damage assessment will depend on the weather and subsequent reports from the revenue department. Current estimates suggest that over 23,465 acres have been impacted, with 15,880 acres in 28 villages of the Badra sub-district experiencing 50% damage, while 585 acres in four villages of the Dadri block have seen 25% damage, and over 7,100 acres in the Bond block have suffered more than 50% loss.
Calls for Government Compensation
District Agriculture Expert Dr. Chandra Bhan Shyoran stated that the preliminary report highlights the most significant losses to early mustard crops, as any branch or pod that was hit by hail has been destroyed, leading to wasted grains. A final report will be compiled once the weather clears.
Local BJP President Sunil Hadaudi has informed Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and State President Mohan Lal Badoli about the situation, assuring that farmers will receive full compensation for their losses.
Leaders from various farmer organizations, including Bhakiyu President Harpal Bhandwa and Naresh Kadyan, expressed their concerns over the destruction of their crops due to the hailstorm and unseasonal rain. They emphasized that the government must act swiftly to provide compensation to affected farmers based on registered losses.