Govt Estimates Shortfall of 1 Million Tonne in Wheat Production

Furthermore, the meteorological service has forecasted another round of rain and hailstorms in the north-west beginning March 29, which might hurt crops that survived the previous western disturbance.

While the regular collecting of information through girdawari (survey) takes time, the Agricultural Ministry is likely to conduct a preliminary assessment of crop losses with states on Tuesday. Already, the governments of Punjab and Haryana have ordered special girdawari and provided compensation to impacted farmers.

According to Agricultural Ministry sources, the unseasonal rains could result in a 1 million tonnes (mt) loss from the expected production of 112.18 mt. Due to severe rains and gusting winds, the standing crop was flattened or stuck in the swamped field, according to a spot visit to areas of Haryana and other field reports from Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

However, the extent of the damage varies by state and is dependent on crop stage. Haryana's most afflicted districts, Mahendragarh, Sirsa, and Charkhi Dadri, have recorded 25-50 percent damage on ready-to-harvest wheat. In contrast, the standing crop, which may be harvested after 20-25 days, has weathered the storm.

The crop has flattened in the field because the grain was too heavy to withstand both rain and high-speed wind," said Gurdip Singh of Bangu village in Sirsa, Haryana. He estimates a 50% crop loss and is hopeful of receiving reimbursement from the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

Several wheat farmers in Sirsa's Badaguda block reported 25-50 percent crop damage. "The hailstorm on March 24 evening was a huge blow because my crop withstood the downpour three days earlier," said Ram Ratan Lal of Badaguda, who claimed 30-40% damage. "Even if I sell it, I won't get the market price because the quality has been compromised," he added.