Agriculture Minister Concerned Over Damage to Rabi Crops Caused by Storms and Rain

06-Apr-2026 07:44 PM

New Delhi. Expressing concern over the damage caused to Rabi crops in various states across the country due to recent storms and rainfall, the Union Agriculture Minister has directed officials to conduct a comprehensive review (survey) of the crop damage and to gather information at the grassroots level in coordination with state government officials.

A statement issued by the Union Ministry of Agriculture notes that the Agriculture Minister has asked officials to contact the governments of the affected states as soon as possible and to complete the assessment of crop damage. The Agriculture Minister has assured farmers that the government stands with them during this hour of crisis.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a new Western Disturbance is likely to become active over Northwest India starting April 7. Under its influence, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to witness heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds, or scattered showers accompanied by thunder and lightning, until April 10. In parts of the northwestern states and Eastern India, wind speeds could reach up to 70 km per hour. This raises apprehensions regarding potential damage to Rabi crops.

According to the Meteorological Department, stormy weather conditions are likely to prevail on April 7–8 in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, and the Gangetic region of West Bengal; similar conditions are also expected to persist in East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Central Maharashtra, and the Marathwada region over the coming days. In South India, rain or showers are likely on April 6; in the northeastern states on April 9–10; and in Karnataka and Telangana throughout the entire week.