Have Rain and Hailstorms Devastated Crops in MP?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bhopal, Jan 27 (NationPress) Unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms have wreaked havoc on crops throughout various districts in Madhya Pradesh, leading to urgent appeals for government action and financial relief.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that more than a dozen districts experienced moderate to heavy precipitation paired with lightning and hail on January 27.
Areas such as Khargone, Ujjain, Guna, Gwalior, Ashoknagar, Bhind, Morena, Agar-Malwa, Shajapur, Tikamgarh, Barwani, Chhatarpur, Mandsaur, Ratlam, and Rajgarh reported significant crop destruction due to hailstones.
Bhopal itself saw light to moderate rainfall and gusty winds, contributing to a chilly wave in the area.
The IMD has predicted ongoing weather disturbances, cautioning about the possibility of hailstorms with lightning and wind speeds reaching up to 70 km/h in Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, and Ashoknagar on January 28.
Moderate rainfall with hail is also anticipated in Morena, Gwalior, Nivari, Orchha, Tikamgarh, Vidisha, Sagar, Bhopal, Khandwa, Sehore, and Harda.
According to the IMD, this change in weather is due to an active cyclonic circulation over Haryana and nearby regions, along with a western disturbance and a trough crossing through Madhya Pradesh.
These atmospheric systems are expected to bring cloudy skies, light rains, and strong winds to various parts of Madhya Pradesh over the upcoming days.
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Arun Yadav shared a video of the hailstorm—locally termed ‘mavtha’—on his social media platform (X), urging the government to conduct a prompt assessment and provide reparations to the affected farmers.
“In regions including Khargone, Agar, Guna, and Ujjain, hailstorms and torrential rains have devastated farmers' produce. The farmers' diligence and aspirations have been shattered. We demand that the government carry out an immediate assessment and ensure sufficient compensation for the farmers. The farmers are not alone; we all support them,” Yadav expressed.
The complete scale of crop devastation will be determined following an official review by the authorities.