Hail reported in 10 Hisar villages, temperatures dip in state

Sudden weather changes have reportedly caused damage to rabi crops due to a hailstorm that occurred in about 10 villages in the district on Friday night.

Farmers have demanded a girdawari and adequate compensation for the crop loss. The farmers at Dhansu, Kirtan, Matarshyam, Shahpur, Kalwas, Gaibipur, Chirod, Mangali, Sulkhani, Talwandi Rana and Bugana reported hail. They said mustard pods fell to the ground, and wheat crops were flattened by strong winds and hail. They fear that wheat grains may deteriorate due to excessive moisture, as fields are waterlogged.

Meanwhile, the temperature dropped by an average of 0.7 degree Celsius in the state today as compared to yesterday, though the average minimum temperature remained 3.6°C above normal on average. The lowest temperature was recorded at Gurgaon (12.5°C), while other districts, including Hisar (15.8°C), Ambala (13.4°C), and Rohtak (16.2°C) saw temperature variations.

The Indian Meteorological Department data revealed that rainfall was recorded at various places. Hisar and Ambala received 10.6 mm rainfall, followed by Karnal (7.5 mm) and Mahendragarh (5.5 mm). Panipat district reported the highest of 11.5 mm rainfall. Moderate showers were reported in Bhiwani and Palwal, while Fatehabad and Sirsa remained dry. The districts of Palwal, Nuh, Ambala, and Panipat received the highest precipitation, with rainfall significantly exceeding normal levels this winter season.

The ongoing showers were attributed to a Western Disturbance. Experts at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, said while rainfall was beneficial for wheat and mustard crops, strong winds could cause lodging.

Dr OP Bishnoi, a wheat specialist, said the rain eliminated the need for additional irrigation at this stage. He advised farmers to monitor fields for yellow rust in wheat and ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which could lead to fungal diseases.

The IMD issued an advisory to farmers to avoid irrigation and fertiliser application due to the recent rainfall, as excess moisture could lead to waterlogging.

Hail in 3 other districts

Hailstorm also hit Jind, and Charkhi Dadri districts, damaging wheat, mustard and vegetable crops. In Jind, hail occurred for 15-20 minutes in about 20 villages, wreaking havoc on mustard crop, and strong winds flattened wheat crop.

The Agriculture Department said farmers who had incurred

damage could register complaints on the government’s compensation

portal before March 10. The affected areas include Budayan, Bhongra,

Durjanpur, Uchana Kalan, Khapad, Barsola, Khatkar, Baroda and Rojkheda.

In Charkhi Dadri, some villages in Badhra block experienced hail and crops were damaged, particularly wheat. Agricultural teams are assessing the damage. In Bhiwani district, the BKU has demanded compensation.