Unseasonal rainfall across India's Pune district in October has damaged 7,436 hectares of standing crops, according to the district agriculture office. About 18,891 farmers are expected to receive compensation once procedures are completed.
The final panchanama report indicates that the northern and eastern belts, known for sugar cane, vegetable production, and horticultural crops, were the most affected. Officials noted that the extent of damage depended on crop type, soil conditions, and local terrain.
Junnar taluka reported the largest impact, with 3,371.9 hectares affected. The area relies on sugar cane, pomegranate, and onions, and farmers said continuous rain in the second and third weeks of October increased moisture levels, flattened mature fields, and triggered fungal infections in fruit orchards. One official said, "Farmers were preparing for harvest when the rain struck. Heavy waterlogging destroyed many seasonal vegetables and fruits. The loss is huge."
Purandar taluka recorded 1,799.76 hectares of crop loss, including tomato, grape, and leafy vegetables. Officials said the October–November period is a key marketing window for vegetable growers in the region. "Vegetable growers in Purandar depend on market arrivals in October and November. The rain spoiled crops at a crucial time, leading to economic loss and supply fluctuations," an official noted.
In Ambegaon taluka, 1,550 hectares were affected, with damage reported to tuber crops, seedlings, and young orchards.
District agriculture superintendent Sanjay Kachole said compensation will be issued according to government norms. "Every affected farmer will be compensated as per the government norms. The process has been expedited to ensure no one has to wait for long," he said. Local offices have been instructed to monitor further weather disturbances expected during the winter months.
Farmers' groups in Junnar have asked the state government to revise compensation levels, citing rising cultivation costs. Farmer leader Jitendra Bidwai said, "Unseasonal rain has become a recurring phenomenon. Input costs, seeds, fertilisers, and labour have doubled in the last few years. The existing compensation barely covers the loss."
Agriculture experts said repeated unseasonal rainfall in October has disrupted harvest cycles across Maharashtra. They noted that three major rainfall events in the last five years caused pre-harvest damage in the district. A Pune-based climate researcher said, "Farmers need better forecasting systems and resilient crop planning. The govt must also expand crop insurance coverage," emphasising long-term adaptation strategies for growers.
Source: The Times of India
