Crop loss hits 13 districts; farmers demand relief

Patna: During the Rabi season 2025-26, heavy rain, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds in the third and fourth weeks of March caused widespread damage to crops across 13 districts of Bihar, severely affecting wheat, gram, lentil, maize, and vegetable cultivation. Nearly 4.5 lakh farmers impacted by the natural calamity have now demanded crop compensation.

The affected districts include Saharsa, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Araria, Begusarai, Madhubani, Purnea, Khagaria, Kishanganj, Madhepura, Darbhanga, Supaul, and Bhagalpur. The agriculture department has invited applications for assistance under the Input Subsidy Scheme from farmers in 88 blocks and 1,484 panchayats of these districts until May 5.

Following the submission of applications, field-level verification of crop damage will be conducted by departmental officials. Based on the actual assessment of losses, the subsidy amount will be directly transferred to farmer’s bank accounts.

Under the scheme, farmers in rain-fed areas are eligible for Rs8,500 per hectare for crop loss, while those in irrigated areas will receive Rs1,700 per hectare. For all-season crops such as sugar cane, assistance of Rs22,500 per hectare has been provisioned. A farmer can receive compensation for a maximum of two hectares. The scheme also ensures a minimum assistance of Rs1,000 for rain-fed areas, Rs2,000 for irrigated areas, and Rs2,500 for all-season crops, aiming to provide timely relief to affected farmers.