Unseasonal rain, strong winds and a hailstorm hit parts of Akola and Amravati districts on Thursday evening, damaging standing rabi crops and fruit orchards, and deepening farmers’ concerns amid earlier losses.
In Akola, areas of Akot tehsil, including Savra and Manchanpur, reported heavy rain with hail. In Amravati, villages such as Vanoja and Wadnergangai in Daryapur tehsil also witnessed hailstorm activity.
Wheat crops nearing harvest suffered major damage, while even harvested produce was affected in several places. Fruit crops including oranges, watermelons, bananas and mangoes saw fruit drop and physical damage due to hail. Standing onion fields were flattened and waterlogged, impacting both yield and quality.
The India Meteorological Department had warned of gusty winds, rain and possible hailstorms. Though some farmers began early harvesting, the sudden intensity of the weather left many unable to protect their produce. The region had already faced losses during the previous Kharif season.
Farmers have demanded immediate damage assessment and compensation. Officials said preliminary surveys are underway, and relief measures will follow. Authorities have advised farmers to remain alert as intermittent rain and strong winds may continue in isolated areas.
The weather also disrupted the 400-year-old Gudi Padwa festival at Sant Lakhaji Maharaj Sansthan. Thousands of devotees from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat had gathered, but rain, hail and strong winds damaged stalls, causing losses to traders. Many devotees had to abandon rituals, and vehicles got stuck in the mud. No casualties were reported.
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