Banana Plantations Bear Brunt As Weather Damages 61,000 Hectares In Maharashtra

Mumbai: Unseasonal rains, strong winds and hailstorms have damaged crops spread across more than 61,000 hectares in 27 districts of Maharashtra, with banana plantations accounting for a significant share of the losses. The widespread damage has prompted the state government to fast-track crop-loss assessments and compensation measures.

According to the Agriculture Department, adverse weather conditions during May and June 2026 affected around 61,004 hectares of agricultural land, including 18,121 hectares under banana cultivation. Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane on Wednesday directed officials to expedite crop-loss assessments and ensure timely financial assistance to affected farmers.

Mr Bharane chaired a high-level review meeting at Mantralaya to assess the damage caused to fruit crops by stormy winds and unseasonal weather. The meeting was attended by Water Supply Minister and Jalgaon Guardian Minister Gulabrao Patil, Horticulture Minister Bharat Gogawale, Agriculture Department Secretary Parimal Singh, Agriculture Commissioner Suraj Mandhare, Agriculture Director Rafiq Naikwadi, Jalgaon District Collector Rohan Ghuge, Agriculture Insurance Company of India Chief Manager Ajit Kumar, Deputy Manager Atul Zhankar, and other senior officials.

The Agriculture Minister instructed government officials and insurance agencies to complete crop-loss surveys and compensation-related procedures without delay to ensure that affected farmers do not face hardship.

According to the Agriculture Department's latest report, several districts across the state experienced severe weather disturbances, including strong winds, hailstorms and heavy rainfall, resulting in widespread agricultural losses between June 1 and June 8. Preliminary assessments indicate that standing crops spread over 18,908 hectares were damaged in 14 districts.

Jalgaon district emerged as one of the worst-affected regions, with extensive crop losses reported from nine talukas — Jalgaon, Bhusawal, Yawal, Raver, Muktainagar, Parola, Pachora, Bhadgaon and Bodwad. A total of 5,471 hectares were affected between June 1 and June 7. The damaged crops included banana, papaya, lemon, mosambi, mango, pomegranate, sugarcane and vegetables.

Solapur district also witnessed extensive agricultural losses across Akkalkot, Madha, Karmala, Pandharpur, Sangola and Malshiras talukas. Crops spread over 4,110 hectares, including banana, pomegranate, grapes, mango, lemon, papaya, guava, sugarcane and vegetables, were damaged between June 1 and June 6.

Buldhana district was significantly impacted, with 4,981 hectares affected across Sangrampur, Chikhli, Khamgaon, Jalgaon Jamod and Shegaon talukas. Banana, orange, mosambi, papaya and lemon crops suffered extensive damage between June 1 and June 6.

Mr Bharane said that a total of 61,004 hectares of agricultural land across 27 districts had been affected during May and June 2026, of which 18,121 hectares were under banana cultivation. The survey and panchanama (damage assessment) process is currently underway at the field level.

“Significant damage occurred particularly due to rainfall on June 6, and an accurate assessment of the losses is necessary. District-wise reviews have revealed substantial damage to fruit crops in districts such as Jalgaon, Buldhana, Solapur, Pune, Akola and Amravati,” the minister said.

He further stated that 7,594 hectares in Jalgaon district were affected during May and June, of which 7,216 hectares were under banana cultivation. “Instructions have been issued to the district administration and the Revenue Department to expedite the completion of the panchanama process,” he said.

The Agriculture Insurance Company of India has commenced surveys in the affected areas, and all panchanamas are expected to be completed within the next 10 days.