New Delhi, March 20 Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday reviewed the damage caused by unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms to standing rabi crops, including wheat, and directed officials to coordinate with state governments for accurate assessment of losses.
Chouhan, who chaired a comprehensive review of the country's agricultural situation, said the adverse weather had hit several states at a time when crops were ripe and ready for harvest.
"Not only did it rain, but many areas also experienced hailstorms, resulting in damage to the crops," he told reporters after the meeting.
The minister said he has directed officials to immediately establish contact with state governments to identify specific locations where crop damage has occurred due to hailstorms and excessive rainfall, which often leads to crops lodging or flattening on the ground.
While state governments provide assistance through their respective State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF), Chouhan said he has specifically instructed officials overseeing the Crop Insurance Scheme to coordinate with states to ensure crop-cutting experiments are conducted properly and the extent of damage is accurately assessed.
"If a farmer has suffered losses, the damage must be assessed accurately and scientifically so that insurance claims can be processed effectively," he said.
The minister also said the India Meteorological Department has warned of two additional Western Disturbances and officials have been directed to remain vigilant and issue advisories to farmers.