Jaipur, Feb 28 (IANS) Rajasthan witnessed a sudden weather shift on Friday due to the impact of a western disturbance. Heavy rains and hailstorms hit Bikaner and Churu, causing significant damage to crops, while Sriganganagar and Jaisalmer witnessed light showers.
Most districts, including Jaipur, remained overcast. According to the Meteorological Department, Jaipur, Bharatpur division, and the Shekhawati region may see light rain with thundershowers on Saturday, while the rest of the state is expected to remain mostly dry.
From March 2 onward, the weather is predicted to stay dry for the next few days. In Shekhawati, the weather took another dramatic turn, affecting standing crops such as mustard, isabgol, and wheat.
Hailstorms accompanied by rain hit more than a dozen villages, including Rajasar Panwaran, Lunasar, Ransisar, and Bijrasar in Churu. The intense hailstorm flattened crops and caused pods to fall, leading to severe financial losses for farmers.
Farmers in Lunkaransar tehsil of Bikaner saw their hopes shattered as a destructive hailstorm struck the region. The landscape, usually dry, momentarily resembled the valleys of Kashmir. Hail pounded the fields for 15-20 minutes, damaging ripe Rabi crops, including mustard, gram, wheat, isabgol, and barley. The hailstorm, occurring intermittently since 3:30 PM, has left many farmers facing heavy losses.
Meanwhile, the state government has directed for surveys to provide relief to farmers who suffered losses due to crop damage by rains and hailstorm.
The District Collector, along with subdivision and revenue tehsil officials, has been directed to assess the losses. Authorities have already reached the affected areas, and financial assistance will be provided based on the findings of the survey.
"Every possible help will be given to farmers according to the damage assessment report,” said Sumit Godara, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Rajasthan.
