Gandhinagar, March 19 (NationPress) An unexpected series of rain and thunderstorms has swept across Gujarat, leading the state’s agriculture department to release a new advisory. This notice encourages farmers to implement immediate protective actions for both standing and harvested crops, as the weather has turned increasingly unpredictable over the last day.

This advisory comes in response to reports of rainfall and hail in regions such as Saurashtra, including Amreli and Jamnagar, on Thursday, which interrupted harvesting operations and sparked worries about potential crop damage.

Concurrently, Ahmedabad has seen a cooler day paired with a warmer-than-usual night, indicating shifts in atmospheric conditions attributed to a western disturbance and cyclonic activity over western Rajasthan.

The India Meteorological Department has noted that isolated rainfall events have occurred across Gujarat and Saurashtra-Kutch in the last 24 hours, with additional light to moderate rain and thunderstorms predicted across various districts.

The forecast suggests that such weather patterns may persist until around March 21, with widespread rainfall anticipated, particularly in regions like north Gujarat, Saurashtra-Kutch, and parts of southern Gujarat.

The agriculture department's advisory highlights the likelihood of light to moderate unseasonal rainfall alongside thunderstorms in districts including Banaskantha, Patan, Sabarkantha, Jamnagar, Morbi, Kutch, Rajkot, Junagadh, Amreli, and Bhavnagar, as well as in sections of southern Gujarat.

It emphasized, “precaution ensures safety,” and urged farmers to rigorously follow the provided guidelines to safeguard their “precious crops” during this erratic weather event.

In light of the shifting weather, a proactive advisory has been issued to minimize potential losses to both ready and standing crops.

“Precautionary measures are being disseminated to farmers via the Krushi Pragati app and various social media platforms,” the advisory noted.

Farmers who have yet to take steps to protect their harvests are encouraged to act without delay and adhere to the guidelines to ensure their valuable crops remain safe from damage.

The advisory instructs farmers to relocate harvested crops exposed to the elements to safer areas or to cover them with plastic sheets or tarpaulin. Additionally, they are advised to construct soil bunds around stored products to prevent rainwater infiltration.

Moreover, farmers should promptly harvest mature crops and ensure adequate field drainage to avert waterlogging in standing crops.

The department also recommends deferring irrigation and pesticide applications during rainy weather.

Special attention has been directed toward moisture-sensitive crops such as cumin, isabgol (psyllium), and fennel, which should be prioritized for secure storage.

In agricultural market yards, including APMC facilities, farmers and traders have been instructed to keep grains and produce sheltered or adequately covered, and to avoid transporting products to markets during adverse weather conditions whenever possible.

Furthermore, the department advises that fertilizers and seeds should be stored properly to prevent moisture exposure.

For additional assistance, farmers may reach out to local agricultural officials, including gram sevaks and extension officers, or contact the Kisan Call Centre helpline.

This advisory is issued as weather patterns linked to a western disturbance continue to affect Gujarat, bringing cloud cover, strong winds, and scattered rainfall following a period of elevated temperatures earlier this month.