Maharashtra's Agricultural Sector Hit Hard by Relentless Rain, Crops Damaged Over 34,000 Hectares

Strategic Insights -

Heavy rains have lashed several districts in Maharashtra, causing widespread damage to the state's agricultural sector. The latest report indicates that crops over 3,000 additional hectares have been damaged, taking the total affected area to a staggering 34,842 hectares. The districts of Amravati, Jalgaon, Buldhana, and Ahilyanagar have been particularly affected, with Nashik, Solapur, and Pune also experiencing significant damage. The situation is grim, with the state agriculture department reporting losses across 676 hectares in Pune district alone, and 3,230 hectares in Nashik.

Key Takeaways:

  • The total affected area now stands at 34,842 hectares, with indications that this number is likely to rise.
  • The districts of Amravati, Jalgaon, Buldhana, and Ahilyanagar have been severely affected, with Nashik, Solapur, and Pune also experiencing significant damage.
  • The state agriculture department reports losses across 676 hectares in Pune district, and 3,230 hectares in Nashik.
  • Heavy rains in Marathwada led to an increase of inflows towards the Jayakwadi major dam, reaching 4,200 cusecs by Monday afternoon.
  • The dam was showing nearly 30% live storage, indicating a significant threat to the dam's stability.
  • The Panchaganga river in Kolhapur reached 18.9ft by 6pm on Monday, an increase of 1.6ft in just eight hours, causing 13 barrages across the district to be submerged.
  • An NDRF team has been called to provide relief and rescue in the affected areas, while another team rescued six people trapped in the floodwaters of Nira River at Kurabavi village.

Statistics:

  • 3,000 additional hectares of crops damaged due to relentless rain.
  • Total affected area: 34,842 hectares.
  • Nashik district reports damage to 3,230 hectares of crops.
  • Solapur district reports damage to 1,252 hectares of crops.
  • Pune district reports losses across 676 hectares.
  • Heavy rainfall in Nashik and Sinnar circles caused damage to 150.3mm and 145.2mm of crops, respectively.
  • The Jayakwadi major dam received 4,200 cusecs of inflows by Monday afternoon.

Sources:

  • Neha Madaan, report on crop damage.
  • Maharashtra State Agriculture Department, report on losses.
  • Jal Shakti Ministry, report on Jayakwadi major dam's inflows.
  • Kolhapur district administration, report on Panchaganga river's water levels.