Hailstorm, rain damage wheat crop in Himachal's Kangra

Wheat crop has suffered heavy losses across Kangra district after sudden hailstorms and untimely rain lashed the region over the past two days.

According to local reports, the adverse weather flattened standing crops, leaving farmers worried about substantial financial losses. The impact was particularly severe in low-lying agricultural areas, including Thural, Jaisinghpur, Panchrukhi and Lambagaon, where waterlogging was reported.

Hailstones damaged standing wheat and caused wheat ears to fall, making harvesting difficult and reducing the overall yield. In several places, harvested crops lying in the fields were also damaged due to continuous rain.

Farmers said strong winds accompanying the hailstorm further worsened the situation by scattering crops across fields. Apart from wheat, onion and vegetable crops were also affected, raising concerns over a wider agricultural setback in the region.

Local farmers expressed distress, saying they were expecting a good harvest this season but the sudden change in weather had dashed their hopes. Many demanded an immediate assessment of losses and compensation from the state government.

Experts from the agriculture university said that if such weather conditions persisted, they could lead to a sharp decline in agricultural output in Kangra district this season. The Agriculture Department is expected to conduct a detailed survey to assess the extent of the damage.

Weather experts have also warned of fluctuating weather conditions in the coming days, which could further affect crops if precautionary measures are not taken in time.

The situation has once again highlighted the vulnerability of farmers to climate unpredictability, especially during the crucial harvesting period.