Patna: Unseasonal rains, strong winds and hailstorms have caused widespread damage to Rabi crops across several districts of Bihar, flattening standing crops and raising fears of significant financial losses for farmers.
Districts including Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Purnia, Katihar, Khagaria and Bhagalpur have reported extensive damage, with crops spread across hundreds of acres knocked down by gusty winds.
Crops flattened, harvest disrupted
Wheat, mustard, gram and maize crops have been severely affected, with many fields left waterlogged just as harvesting was about to begin. Farmers said they were preparing to harvest their crops when sudden storms and heavy rainfall struck, overturning their expectations of a good yield.
In parts of north Bihar, including Muzaffarpur’s Gaighat, Katra and Aurai blocks, preliminary estimates suggest crop losses of around 20–25%. Across several regions, early assessments indicate damage could range between 20% and 30%.
Experts said the flattening of crops and subsequent waterlogging are likely to reduce both yield and grain quality, potentially affecting market prices and farmer incomes.
Impact on horticulture
The storms have also damaged horticulture, with mango and litchi blossoms falling prematurely, raising concerns about reduced fruit production in the coming months.
Farmers across regions such as Kosi, Seemanchal and eastern Bihar reported significant losses, particularly in maize cultivation.
Government response
Agriculture minister Ram Kripal Yadav expressed concern over the situation and said affected farmers would be prioritised for relief.
District magistrates have been directed to conduct immediate surveys to assess the extent of crop damage, while reports have also been sought from the disaster management department in areas where losses exceed 33%.
Officials said compensation would be provided in accordance with existing norms, and teams from the agriculture department have been deployed to assist farmers on the ground.
The damage comes as a setback for farmers who had anticipated a strong harvest despite delays in sowing earlier in the season.
