Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated on Friday that the central government has directed state authorities to evaluate the harm inflicted on crops by recent hailstorms and associated weather disturbances. He noted that around 2.49 lakh hectares of farmland have been impacted by these unexpected rains in various regions of India.
During a media briefing, Chouhan explained that an exact figure is challenging to determine currently, as states are still carrying out their evaluations. Data from three days prior showed about 2.49 lakh hectares affected, but this is preliminary since poor weather has continued.
He has ordered all state governments to promptly review the damage in their areas. Additionally, he stressed the importance of conducting crop-cutting tests on schedule to include every farmer. These reviews should involve three departments: Revenue, Agriculture, and Panchayati Raj.
Chouhan also asked for damage assessment lists to be posted at village Panchayat buildings, enabling farmers to raise concerns and promoting openness. A meeting on the crop insurance program has been held, and teams are now actively engaged, he added in response to inquiries.
The minister identified wheat and certain horticultural crops as the most severely affected by the irregular weather.
Sources from the Agriculture Ministry indicated that the damaged area could surpass 3 lakh hectares, though the full extent will only be clear after surveys. They noted that the largest impacts are in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.
The ministry reported that Rabi crop sowing covered 676.84 lakh hectares as of January 30, 2026, with wheat making up nearly half at 334 lakh hectares. Rainfall in late March and early April has struck many areas, disrupting wheat harvesting.
In other developments, Chouhan revealed that a three-day agricultural event, Unnat Krishi Mahotsav, is scheduled for April 11 to 13 in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will open the event, and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari will speak at the closing. An agricultural development plan will be launched for districts such as Raisen, Vidisha, and Sehore.
Emphasizing agriculture’s importance to India’s economy, the minister stated that the nation must achieve self-sufficiency in food production. He mentioned that conflicts in West Asia have influenced farm exports, and the government is implementing measures to safeguard farmers’ welfare. On fertilizer supplies for the upcoming Kharif season, Chouhan said subsidies for nutrient-based options have been raised, and efforts are underway to broaden import origins.
