Untimely rain damages rabi, fruit crops in state

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 1

A primary survey carried by the departments of agriculture and horticulture has said unseasonal rain that lashed the state on March 1 and 2 has damaged around 25 per cent of the standing rabi and fruit crops.

According to the departments of agriculture and horticulture, wheat and barley sown in 8,735 hectares, pulses in 150 hectares, mustard in 220 hectares, potato in 500 hectares and other vegetables grown in 4,600 hectares, mango in 10,000 hectares, apple in 8,000 hectares, peaches in 3,000 hectares, plums in 1,500 hectares, apricot in 1,000 hectares and litchi in 1,200 hectares of land have been badly affected by the rain.

“The damage to the crops and fruits is 25 per cent. But we cannot press for compensation from the Centre as ex gratia assistance provided under the Central Calamity Relief Assistance is only given if the damage to crops is 50 per cent and more,” said Dr Pramaram Prajapati, joint director, Directorate of Agriculture. Significantly, the damage is extensive in the districts of Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar, the major foodgrain growing districts and had several hectares of land under wheat in the current rabi season.

“The rain in March was unexpected and is not desirable for crops nearing maturity. This could severely affect the crop yield,” said Prajapati. While there are no chances of the state finding itself eligible for compensation under the CRA, but it could still pursue the matter regarding horticulture crop damage and seek compensation.