Unseasonal Rains, Hailstorms Damage Fruit Crops Across 100 Hectares in Pune District
Pune, 6th June 2026: Unseasonal weather conditions, including strong winds, hailstorms and pre-monsoon showers, have caused widespread damage to fruit crops across parts of Pune district, dealing a fresh blow to farmers ahead of the kharif sowing season.
A preliminary assessment by the district agriculture department has found crop losses across more than 100 hectares of fruit plantations in Junnar, Ambegaon, Baramati and Indapur talukas. Banana and pomegranate orchards are among the worst affected.
District Agriculture Officer Sanjay Kachole said field inspections have been completed and a detailed assessment is underway. Officials indicated that the extent of damage may increase as surveys progress.
According to agriculture department officials, strong winds uprooted banana plants and damaged orchard infrastructure in several villages, while hailstorms caused extensive damage to pomegranate crops that were nearing harvest.
Many growers who had managed to protect their crops during the intense summer heat suffered significant setbacks due to the sudden weather events. Farmer organisations have expressed concern that the losses could affect preparations for the upcoming kharif season. They said many cultivators are already grappling with rising input costs and uncertain market conditions, and crop damage at this stage could strain their finances further.
The agriculture department is compiling reports from affected areas and is expected to submit a proposal to the state government for compensation to eligible farmers.
