Fields submerged in Yavatmal, farmers stare at heavy crop losses

Yavatmal: Incessant rains continue to batter several parts of Yavatmal district, causing widespread disruption and heavy damage to crops. On Sunday, as many as 27 revenue circles reported excess rainfall, leading to significant loss of cotton, soybean, and tur crops. The district has so far recorded 603.2 mm rainfall this season.Heavy rains over the past three days have wreaked havoc in Umarkhed, Mahagaon and Pusad tehsils, where the overflowing Painganga River has inundated fields, leaving crops destroyed. In many places, farms are submerged under 7-8 feet water.Umarkhed tehsil is the worst-hit, with 159.50 mm rainfall recorded in Chatari, Dhanaki, Bitergaon and Nignur villages. Mulawa village reported 130.75mm rainfall, while Darati received 143.50 mm. In Mahagaon tehsil, Gunj village recorded 111mm rainfall, and in Pusad tehsil, Shembalpimpri logged 130.75mm rainfall.Crops already affected by pests and infestations are now under further threat due to the excessive rainfall. Soyabean crop has started turning yellow, while cotton and tur too are at risk. The relentless rains have caused rivers and streams in rural areas to overflow, disrupting road connectivity and transport. Authorities have urged villages along the banks of Painganga River to remain vigilant.Local farmer Umesh Thakre from Mukindpur, who owns 18 acres land, had cultivated cotton and soyabean, and also sugarcane instead of the traditional crop. Floodwaters entered his fields and destroyed sugarcane crop. Having taken loans for cultivation, Thakre is now unsure how to repay his debt. He appealed to the govt to conduct immediate surveys and provide compensation.