Unseasonal rains ravage Sirsa’s kinnow orchards

Unseasonal rains coupled with strong winds have wreaked havoc on kinnow orchards across Sirsa district, leaving hundreds of horticulture farmers facing massive losses. At a time when fruiting is at its peak, traders have stopped visiting orchards, adding to farmers’ distress.

Relief under Mukhyamantri Bagwani Fasal Bima Yojana

0-25% loss: No compensation

25-50% loss: 50% payout

50-75% loss: 75% payout

75–100% loss: 100% payout

Coverage: Up to Rs 40,000 per acre

Premium: Rs 1,000 per acre

According to horticulture department officials, the extent of damage ranges between 40% and 100%, with more than 200 farmers applying for compensation under the Mukhyamantri Bagwani Fasal Bima Yojana for losses over 1,200 acres.

The worst-hit area is Dabwali zone, covering villages like Chautala, Asakhera, Bharukhera, Teja Khera, Abubshahar, Kaluana and Masitan, where kinnow orchards stretch across thousands of acres. Chautala-based farmer Satish Saharan said the region alone has nearly 7,000 acres under kinnow cultivation. “First, heavy rains caused 40-50% damage and now fruits are dropping from trees during peak season. Even healthy plants are shedding fruit and contractors are backing out from procurement,” he said.

Survey reports suggest that younger orchards (6-7 years old) have suffered 70–100% loss, while older orchards (over 10 years) are relatively less affected. Experts blame prolonged waterlogging for weakening plant immunity and triggering fruit drop.

Farmers from other parts of the district, including Rania, Ellenabad, Nathusari Chopta, and Maujgarh have also reported damage. Maujgarh farmer Jagdeep Singh said his orchard had suffered nearly 50% loss, with fruit flies adding to the problem in waterlogged fields.

District Horticulture Officer Deen Mohammad confirmed the extent of damage. “The unusually heavy rains have severely affected kinnow orchards in Sirsa. Water stagnation has weakened the plants and fruit drop has increased drastically. A detailed report has been sent to the government and compensation will be provided accordingly,” he said.

He added that surveys have already been completed on nearly 1,000 acres, and compensation will be given as per crop insurance norms. However, farmers who did not insure their orchards will not be eligible for any payout.