Wheat Crop Affected in Several States Due to Natural Calamities
10-Apr-2026 10:46 AM
New Delhi: The wheat crop in various states across the country is suffering damage due to the onslaught of natural calamities that has persisted since last month, consequently impacting both its yield and quality. Since mid-March, major wheat-producing states have witnessed a surge in storms, unseasonal rainfall, and, in some areas, hailstorms. The intensity of these events has escalated further during the current month (April), precisely when the wheat crop has matured and is ready for harvest.
The President of the Roller Flour Millers Federation of India states that storms and rainfall have adversely affected the crop in 111 districts across nine states, potentially leading to a 5 to 10 percent decline in the total national wheat output. In these affected districts, there is a concern that the quality of approximately 25–30 percent of the wheat grains may deteriorate. These grains are becoming discolored and losing their natural luster. In certain regions, the wheat grains may turn flattened and could also weigh less than usual.
Notably, the Union Ministry of Agriculture has projected that the gross domestic wheat production will surge from 117.94 million tonnes in the 2024–25 season to an all-time high of 120.21 million tonnes in the current 2025–26 Rabi season; however, estimates from the trade and industry sectors are significantly lower than this figure.
According to the Federation, storms, rainfall, and hailstorms are feared to cause damage to the wheat crop in various states ranging from a minimum of 3 percent to a maximum of 25 percent. Despite this, the total production is still expected to be better than that of the previous season.
In the states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Bihar, wheat harvesting has been completed in approximately 10–15 percent of the cultivated area. However, in regions where the crop is still standing in the fields—having matured and reached the harvesting stage—it is sustaining greater damage. The onslaught of these natural calamities remains ongoing.