Heavy rains and hailstorms in Nashik district last weekend has sent farmers scrambling for cover. While many initially welcomed the break from the stifling October heat phenomenon, no one was prepared for the extent of damage caused by the unseasonal rains in fields across the district. Official estimates indicate that crops sowed in up to 3,000 hectares of land have been completely destroyed in the weekend deluge.

Grape growers, sugarcane planters and paddy farmers of Dindori, Sinnar, Nashik, Igatpuri, Peth, Niphad and Yeola have been the worst affected. According to officials, the incessant rains, accompanied by heavy hailstorms in some areas, has washed away more than 50 per cent of standing paddy crop in Igatpuri tehsil, destroyed 75 per cent of the grape cultivation and submerged vegetable patches across the region.

“Maximum damage has been reported from vineyards and paddy fields,” says sub-divisional collector Mahesh Patil. “Dindori tehsil is one of the worst hit with nearly 145 hectares of land affected. Dhagur, Dharewadi and Rasegaon vineyards have been wiped out. Primary reports indicate losses running into crores.”

Agriculture department officials add that grapes that had been pruned in September end and were in the flowering stage have been washed away. In cases where the berries had formed, entire bunches have fallen under the impact of the hailstorm.

Ramdas Dhage’s, a grape grower from Rasegaon, losses add up to an estimated Rs 10 lakh. The fruits was due for picking next month. “I had five acres under grape plantation and now there is nothing left of it,” says Dhage. “Two days of rains have completely ruined our season. We have nothing in hand now.”

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