Heavy rains and hailstorms hit Nizamabad on Monday and Tuesday, damaging crops worth Rs 14 crore in 193 villages, according to district officials. The bad weather affected 18 areas and caused around 33% of the standing crops to fall to the ground. However, farmers estimate that up to 80% of their crops have been damaged. Paddy, sesamum, bajra, and mangoes were among the crops that were mainly affected.
The Agriculture department assessed that paddy crops in 10,437 fields were fully destroyed due to the heavy rains and hailstorm. More hailstorms occurred in 15 areas of Nizamabad and Bheamgal agricultural division on April 25. The worst-hit areas were Dharpalli and Sorikonda, where crop losses were estimated at around 40%. Other affected areas include Nizamabad mandal, Mogpal mandal, Dichpalli, Indalwai, Dharpalli, Sirikonda, Jakranpalli, Armoor Maklur, Nandipet Bhimgal, Balconda, Mendora, Mupkal Mendora, Kammarpally, Erragatla, and Velpuru in Nizamabad district.
The Agriculture department predicts a 20% production loss in partially damaged areas, leading to an average output of 24 quintals per acre instead of the usual 31 quintals per acre. The total production loss is estimated at 2,360 tonnes worth Rs 14 crore. Officials report that 10,284 farmers suffered losses due to the untimely rains. However, farmers groups dispute these estimates and claim that the damage was more significant than reported.
