Unseasonal Rain And Heavy Winds Destroy Mango Crops In Palanpur, Farmers Seek Government Aid

Banaskantha: Unseasonal rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning wreaked havoc across several regions of Banaskantha district late Saturday night, causing heavy losses to farmers. In Palanpur, a windstorm knocked down hundreds of ripe Kesar mangoes from trees in a large orchard, leading to significant financial losses for the grower.

The affected farmer, Vishalbhai Patni, had leased an orchard with 500 Kesar mango trees for Rs 8 lakh this season. He anticipated a return of around Rs 15 lakh from the sale of the mangoes, which had matured well and were ready for harvest. However, the sudden storm caused nearly all the fruit to fall prematurely, rendering them unfit for sale.

“The mangoes were in good condition, and we were expecting a good yield,” Vishalbhai said. “But the storm destroyed everything in one night. If the government does not provide support, I will be forced into debt.”

The damage wasn’t limited to mango orchards. Farmers in other talukas, including Tharad, Disa, Dhanera, Dantiwada, Amirgarh, and Vadgam, also suffered losses. Heavy winds flattened millet and sorghum crops, which are staple summer produce in the region. In some areas, farmers were seen weeping in their fields as their nearly ready crops lay ruined.

In Dantiwada’s Panthawada market yard, neglect despite weather warnings led to further losses. Farmers had stored harvested produce in the open, leaving over 500 sacks of castor and mustard seeds exposed. The rain soaked the grains, causing spoilage and further economic distress.

Farmers across the region are now urging the state government for immediate financial assistance to recover from what they describe as a devastating blow to their livelihoods. Many say without intervention, the losses will drive them deeper into debt and uncertainty.