Maharashtra Rains: Excess rain damages 8 lakh hectares of crops

The downpour struck when key kharif crops were at a critical stage. Cotton, cultivated on over 39 lakh hectares, was in the flowering stage when rains lashed fields (file photo)
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ANI

After weeks of heavy downpour, clouds are once again looming over Maharashtra, heightening farmers’ concerns as they await compensation for extensive crop damage. According to official estimates, excess rainfall in August has ravaged crops across the State, covering 187 talukas and 654 revenue circles, with Marathwada, Vidarbha, Western Maharashtra, and North Maharashtra bearing the brunt.

Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne said crops were damaged across the State, with Nanded (2.85 lakh hectares) and Washim (1.64 lakh hectares) among the worst-affected districts, followed by Yavatmal (92,000 hectares) and Buldhana (89,000 hectares).

The downpour struck when key kharif crops were at a critical stage. Cotton, cultivated on over 39 lakh hectares, was in the flowering stage when rains lashed fields, while waterlogging has severely impacted soybean grown on over 50 lakh hectares. Tur (pigeon pea) and corn farmers have also reported losses, with lingering cloudy weather now fueling pests and diseases.

Pomegrante orchards hit

The Pomegranate Association has estimated 7,500 hectares of orchards — out of 30,000 hectares under cultivation — have been hit, while urad crops in north Maharashtra have also suffered.

Farmers in Marathwada and Vidarbha alleged that government officers have not visited their fields, resulting in inaccurate damage estimates. Farmer organisations have also raised concerns that insurance companies have yet to settle claims for last season’s losses. With fresh damage this year, farmers say they are uncertain about how they will receive compensation and have demanded immediate government intervention.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured that the government is assessing the damage and will extend assistance to all affected farmers. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has directed the Agriculture Department to expedite surveys to ensure no farmer is left out.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal has urged the State to declare a “wet drought,” citing crop damage across nearly 15 lakh acres. He has demanded financial aid of ₹50,000 per hectare for affected cultivators.

Published on August 28, 2025