Maharashtra Kharif Crop Damage Less Than Expected

22-Aug-2025 11:49 AM

Mumbai. Some experts from the industry, trade and agriculture sector say that although the Kharif crops in Maharashtra have suffered damage due to the outbreak of natural disasters, but the figure is not as big as is being estimated. Similarly, the condition of crops is also not as bad as is being reported.

In the last week itself, there is a possibility of a lot of damage to Kharif crops due to waterlogging in the fields due to continuous torrential rains in various parts of Maharashtra.

Farmers are regularly informing the Agriculture Department about this loss. Although the extent of this damage is still being assessed, there are signs of lesser damage in many parts of the state.

After remaining sluggish for some time, the South-West monsoon became active again in Maharashtra from August 14. After this, heavy rains continued there for the next three-four days due to which crops in the fields of low-lying areas got submerged.

It is worth noting that there was heavy rainfall since the beginning of the strong season around the Konkan coast, but the rainfall in Marathwada, Madhya Maharashtra and Vidarbha divisions was less than the normal average.

The data of the Meteorological Department shows that till August 13, Vidarbha division had received 6 percent less rainfall, Central Maharashtra had received 7 percent less rainfall and Marathwada division had received 23 percent less rainfall as compared to the normal average. The need of rain was felt in many areas. The rainy season started from August 14.

Due to this rain, not only the rain deficiency in all the three divisions was fulfilled, but in some areas, due to excessive rain and flood situation, the standing Kharif crops in the fields were also damaged.

According to the Meteorological Department, during June 1 to August 20, the entire state received 775.40 mm rainfall, which was 7 percent more than the normal average rainfall of 724.10 mm. The year reached 5-7 percent above the normal average in all the three divisions.

This torrential rain caused damage to Kharif crops in some areas, but the damage may not be as much as has been reported in media reports.

The actual figure of the loss will be known only after a survey. With the rains stopping, water has started draining out from the fields rapidly. But still, pulses, oilseeds and cotton crops have suffered some damage.