Datia, Madhya Pradesh: Unseasonal rain and strong winds over the past week have caused massive damage to paddy crops ready for harvest across several districts of Madhya Pradesh, prompting the state administration to initiate loss assessment for farmer compensation.
Gwalior–Chambal Region Worst Hit
The Gwalior–Chambal belt, already battered by monsoon floods earlier this year, has again suffered extensive damage, particularly in Morena, Datia, and Sheopur districts.
Former State Home Minister Narottam Mishra, who visited affected farms in his home district of Datia on Saturday, said farmers have lost most of their paddy crops and assured them of government support.
“Excessive rain has damaged paddy crops on a large scale. I will meet Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to convey the farmers’ grievances,” Mishra told reporters, directing local revenue officials to begin surveys immediately.
Massive Losses Across Multiple Districts
According to Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) President Kamal Singh Anjana, heavy rainfall has damaged kharif crops such as paddy and maize worth nearly ₹5,000 crore in several districts, including Rewa, Jabalpur, Narmadapuram, Mandla, Dindori, Hoshangabad, Harda, Betul, and Sehore.
“If rains continue for three or four more days, losses could rise further. Farmers are covering their crops with tarpaulin sheets, but saving everything is impossible,” Anjana said.
Farmer Suicide Amid Crop Destruction
Tragedy struck earlier this week when a farmer, Kailash Meena, allegedly died by suicide in Datia district after heavy rainfall submerged his nine-bigha paddy field, destroying his crop and investment in seeds, fertiliser, and labour.
Weather Systems Behind the Downpour
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the prolonged rains to a depression over the Arabian Sea, a trough line across Madhya Pradesh, and an active cyclonic circulation in the northern region.
Combined with Cyclone Montha, these systems have triggered continuous heavy rainfall across several parts of the state, worsening the plight of farmers already reeling from earlier monsoon floods.
