State Coordination for Crop Loss Evaluation

Crop Loss Assessment Ordered After Unseasonal Rain and Hailstorms Damage Rabi Crops​

Agriculture Minister Directs States to Ensure Accurate Evaluation and Timely Insurance Processing​

New Delhi, March 20: Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday directed officials to work closely with state governments to assess crop losses accurately after unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms damaged standing rabi crops, including wheat, across multiple states.

Adverse Weather Hits Crops Near Harvest Stage​

Chairing a comprehensive review of the country’s agricultural situation, the minister noted that the adverse weather struck at a critical time when crops were ripe and ready for harvest.

He stated that several regions experienced both heavy rainfall and hailstorms, which caused significant damage to crops. The impact was further intensified as such conditions often lead to lodging, where crops are flattened on the ground, affecting both yield and quality.

Coordination With States for Ground-Level Damage Identification​

Chouhan instructed officials to immediately establish contact with state authorities to identify specific areas affected by hailstorms and excessive rainfall. The focus is on ensuring precise, location-based assessment of crop damage.

Focus on Scientific Assessment for Insurance Claims​

Highlighting the importance of accurate data, the minister directed officials managing the Crop Insurance Scheme to coordinate with states to ensure proper crop-cutting experiments are conducted.

He emphasized that losses suffered by farmers must be evaluated using scientific methods so that insurance claims can be processed efficiently and without discrepancies.

IMD Warns of More Weather Disturbances​

The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings about two additional Western Disturbances. In response, officials have been asked to remain alert and provide timely advisories to farmers to minimize further risks.

Wheat and Paddy Procurement to Begin Soon​

On the procurement front, Chouhan stated that government purchases of wheat and paddy will begin shortly. He noted that rabi crop production has been exceptionally high this season, according to an official statement.

Government Assures MSP Support for Pulses​

Addressing concerns over pulses, the minister said that agencies such as NAFED and NCCF will procure tur, masur, and urad from farmers as required. This is aimed at ensuring that market prices do not fall below the Minimum Support Price.

Shift Towards High-Quality Crop Production​

Chouhan also underlined the need to focus on quality over quantity in agricultural production. He cited premium wheat varieties such as Madhya Pradesh’s Sarbati, which commands a market premium of over Rs 400, as an example of promoting high-value grain production.