Crop damage survey begins in Barwani, Khargone

Barwani/Khargone: Following unseasonal rain and hailstorm, a survey has been launched to assess damage to crops in Barwani district. Joint teams of revenue, agriculture and horticulture departments have been deployed to assess losses in affected areas.According to official information, significant damage has been reported in Barwani, Anjad, Thikri and Pansemal tehsils, particularly to maize, banana and papaya crops. Survey teams, along with local representatives and village heads, have begun field inspections in villages including Rehgun, Sajwani, Lonsara, Balkuan, Talwada Buzurg, Dhanora, Bhatki, Aamjhiri, Malfa, Khetia and Malgaon. Initial assessment is being carried out through visual inspection, while the final evaluation will be based on crop-cutting experiments. Authorities have assured that eligible farmers will receive financial assistance as per norms after the survey is completed.In the Taloon region of Barwani, nearly 100 acres of farmland has reportedly been affected due to strong winds, rain and hail, damaging banana and maize crops. Farmers have expressed concern over mounting losses, stating that banana exports have already slowed due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, leading to reduced market prices. The recent weather events have further worsened their situation.The neighbouring Khargone district also witnessed a sudden change in weather late Thursday night. Strong winds and a dust storm swept through the district headquarters and nearby villages damaging power lines and affecting electricity supply in several areas.Rural regions have suffered due to the storm, with standing maize crop flattened in villages such as Nagjhiri, Kotha and Devli. Farmers fear that the fallen crop, currently in the maturity stage, may suffer losses in both yield and quality. Additionally, harvesting costs are expected to rise due to increased labour requirements.The change in weather also brought some relief from the intense heat, as temperatures dropped slightly following the storm.