Farmers in Marathwada, particularly cotton growers, are facing increased anxiety as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rains and strong winds in the region over the next few days.

This weather event could significantly impact the cotton crop, especially since the cotton is still in the fields in areas like Beed, Aurangabad, and Sambhaji Nagar, where it is nearing the harvesting stage.

The cotton in these regions was sown later than usual, causing delays in the crop's readiness for harvesting. If heavy rains and strong winds arrive, there is a high risk of damage to the crop, especially as cotton balls are forming.

Rain can increase the moisture content in the cotton, complicating its sale and leading to quality issues. The damage could also be compounded by potential flooding from torrential rains, which have already affected the Kharif crops earlier this season.

In response to the looming threat, the Agriculture Department has urged farmers who have already harvested and processed their cotton to take necessary precautions to prevent quality deterioration.

Storing cotton in safe, dry conditions is critical to safeguard its value during this period of adverse weather. With heavy rain and thunderstorms expected from December 27 to 29, cotton growers in areas like Sambhaji Nagar and surrounding regions are particularly vulnerable to significant losses.