Hail Storm in the interior parts of Maharashtra has caused heavy damage to the crops and two farmers were killed in in a surprise storm in the state. The main crops of grapes were totally damaged causing distress to the farmers in this part. The surprise hailstorm in the beginning of summer season accompanying thundershowers which lasted less than 15 minutes caused extensive damage and this is a regular routine during this time of the year. The short but destructive hail storm did destroy wheat, jowar among other crops and it is pitiable position because of the vagaries of weather. Despite all the precautions, such a surprise and an intensive hailstorm caused loss to the farmers hoping for a bumper crop this season.
Who is going to make up for the heavy loss for the farmers of Ravgaon in Jalna district of Marathwada. Their hopes and aspirations were dashed to dust and only icy remains were the result of the hail storm. From now on supply of vegetables from the suburbs will reduce considerably. The short supply is due crops getting damaged by unseasonal hail storm. The prices of all the vegetables are slowly touching Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kilo mark. Fruit prices are also going up due to short supply. Fruit prices are likely to go up still further. Hailstorm hit the pockets of farmers of Marathwada, who are already in distress due to bank loans and the wait for relief from the government. Hailstorm during this time of the years is really ruining the crops in Maharashtra and some remedial measures will have to be followed from the next year onwards.
Nickhil Mani
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
