While the unseasonal rain in early April has offered a break from rising temperatures in several cities, but the same weather shift has caused widespread damage to standing crops, leaving farmers facing losses.
Sudden weather shift across north India
Cities such as Delhi and nearby regions woke up to dust storms and hazy skies after a sharp change in conditions. Just a day earlier, temperatures had climbed well above normal, with the capital recording a maximum of 36.8 degrees and a minimum of 18.9 degrees.
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Meteorological officials have linked the sudden change to an atmospheric system affecting northern parts of the country. Winds ranging between 20–30 km/h, with gusts touching 40 km/h, are expected to continue, bringing temporary relief from heat while also causing brief disruptions.
Farmers report heavy losses
While urban areas experienced cooler conditions, farmers across states reported damage to Rabi crops due to hailstorms and heavy rainfall.
In Jhajjar, Haryana, News18 quoted a farmer describing the scale of loss, saying, "My almost entire crop has been damaged, apart from the 10–20% that might be left. There will be a lot of problems in the sale of this crop. We demand from the government that a timely survey of this damage is carried out and appropriate compensation is given on time."
Similar concerns emerged from Prayagraj, where crops such as wheat, mustard, pigeon pea (arhar) and gram were affected. A farmer, Satyam, was quoted as saying by News18, "For us farmers, everything depends on farming. Our household expenses include preparation for the next paddy sowing, ploughing and purchasing fertilisers like DAP in advance. We often have to buy these ahead of time because when the season arrives, there is usually a shortage of DAP and urea."
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Governments respond with assurances
State authorities have begun responding to the situation. In Rajasthan, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma reportedly directed district collectors to assess crop damage and submit reports. In Maharashtra, Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, "Directions have been given to carry out spot inspections without delay, and compensation will be provided to affected farmers thereafter."
Rabi crops are sown during winter, typically between October and December, and harvested in spring. Key crops include wheat, mustard, barley, gram, lentils, peas and pigeon pea. These crops depend on stable, cool weather, making them vulnerable to sudden climatic changes.
