Marathwada Farmers Worried After Fresh Heavy Rain Spells
Fresh spells of heavy rain in the Marathwada region have caused significant damage to kharif crops, raising concerns among farmers about a major financial hit. This article details the most affected areas and the impact of the unexpected downpours.
A fresh wave of heavy, unexpected rainfall has hit isolated parts of the Marathwada region, once again raising serious concerns for local farmers who are already grappling with the unpredictable nature of this year's monsoon. This latest spell of intense showers, coming at a critical juncture for the kharif crop, has left many farmers worried about a potential second round of widespread agricultural losses.
Over the weekend, several revenue circles across the region recorded a massive amount of rainfall. In Nanded district, a total of five circles received over 100mm of rain between Saturday and Sunday morning. Specifically, Markhel and Malegaon in Deglur taluka, along with Barhali and Mukramal in Mukhed taluka, each recorded 104mm of rainfall. Adampur in Biloli taluka also experienced a deluge, receiving 100mm. The Dharashiv district was also hit, with its Omerga taluka seeing non-stop downpours.
The impact on agriculture is already evident. Many farmers, who invested heavily in this season's crops, now feel a sense of despair as their fields are submerged in rainwater. A farmer from Beed district, Patel Parvez, described his situation, stating he has lost all hope for a good harvest from his 15-acre farm. His soybean crop is already severely damaged, and the growth of his cotton and pigeon pea has been stunted. The heavy financial burden from initial input costs, coupled with the potential for zero yield, has put immense pressure on farmers.
This latest weather event is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in the face of climate change. The once predictable monsoon patterns have become increasingly erratic, with long dry spells followed by concentrated periods of intense rain that are just as damaging to crops. Farmers are now demanding that the government take proactive measures to mitigate these losses and provide adequate compensation for the financial strain caused by these unpredictable weather conditions.
