Rabi crops wheat, gram, peas and lentils damaged due to hail, frost and cold in Madhya Pradesh
Preliminary survey shows crops of more than 3,000 farmers in 34 tehsils damaged; farmers say inspections not completed
In Madhya Pradesh, the recent onslaught of hail, frost, and excessive cold has wreaked havoc on Rabi crops such as wheat, gram, peas, and lentils. A preliminary survey conducted by the government has revealed distressing numbers, with over 3,000 farmers across 34 tehsils reporting crop damage.
Wheat fields have suffered damage ranging from 20-50 per cent, while pulses like gram and lentils have been wiped out entirely. Pea crops share a similar fate. Many crops withered away in the fields, failing to blossom or bear fruit. Farmers recounted tales of despair as their hard work is undone before their eyes.
Grappling with significant losses, many cultivators have driven tractors on Rabi crops standing in the fields. Many had earlier incurred losses during the Kharif season too with soybean and paddy crops, compelling them to take loans for Rabi cultivation.
State Revenue Minister Karan Singh Verma, addressing the Assembly on February 14, 2024, acknowledged the widespread damage. The affected tehsils span Balaghat, Katni, Narsinghpur, Seoni, Dindori, Mandla, Satna, Singrauli, Panna, Anuppur, and Chhatarpur districts. However, these figures are likely to rise as the survey progresses.
Farmers have demanded fair compensation based on actual losses, urging against any form of discrimination.