Hailstorm causes crop damage in Sirsa

A hailstorm accompanied by rainfall struck Sirsa district on Friday night, affecting around 25 villages in the Dabwali, Rania and Odhan regions. The storm caused minor damage to wheat and mustard crops, prompting agricultural department officials to visit the affected areas on Saturday for assessment.

Local farmers, including Mahaveer Singh, Raja Ram, Jitender, Jassa Singh and Narender Kumar, said the weather had been fluctuating throughout the day on Friday. By evening, the conditions suddenly changed and light rain began around 9 pm. While some villages received minimal rainfall, others experienced heavy hailstorms lasting about five minutes, leaving farmers worried about their crops.

After the hailstorm subsided, intermittent light rain continued and in some villages, dry hailstones fell without rain. On Saturday morning, a light drizzle was observed in several areas.

With mustard crops nearing harvest, many farmers had already started reaping their produce, which was affected by the hailstorm. The wheat crops also suffered damage, with some plants being flattened by the rain. Farmers have reported their losses to agricultural department officials.

The hailstorm impacted villages such as Kharian, Bhuna, Panniwala Mota, Khai Shergarh, Kussar, Chakkan, Sahuwala, Rori, Jhorarohi, Kheowali, Matdadu, Mattuwala, Ghoranwali, Mehna Khera, Ginda and Bacher, among others.

Dr Sukhdev Singh, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Department, stated that officials are currently assessing the damage. Once the reports are compiled, they will be submitted to higher authorities for further action. Farmers can also report their losses through an online portal.