Latur, March 18 A hailstorm accompanied by thunder and strong winds has affected both standing and harvested crops in Latur district of Maharashtra, farmers said on Wednesday.
The district is currently in the peak harvesting season for Rabi crops such as wheat, gram, and jowar. In addition, orchards of mango, watermelon, muskmelon, banana, and various vegetables are spread across farmland.
Several areas in the district experienced heavy rainfall along with hailstones on Tuesday evening.
In the Deoni tehsil, hailstones weighing between 25 and 50 grams damaged crops, farmers said.
Citing preliminary information, District Superintendent of Agriculture Rajendra Kadam said the hailstorm affected crops on 52 hectares, including 42 in Nilanga and 10 in Deoni. The official said he has asked tehsildars in the district to gather more details.
Former minister and Latur MLA Amit Deshmukh urged the administration to immediately assess the damage and announce compensation for affected farmers.
In a press release on Wednesday, he said that farmers are facing a severe crisis due to repeated weather shocks.
According to the weather department, there is a possibility of more rain and hailstorms in parts of Vidarbha and Marathwada between March 20 and March 21.