Nepal : Farmers worried as pre-monsoon rain damages wheat crop
Unseasonal rain and hail in Banke on Sunday evening have severely damaged wheat crops, both harvested and standing in the fields. Farmers report major losses, with hail causing additional destruction. According to Agricultural Officer Anish Shrestha, assessments are underway across all municipalities. Nepal Farmers Federation’s Krishna Bikram KC said the pre-New Year weather has devastated wheat and lentil crops, leaving farmers disheartened.
Ranjha (Banke), April 14: Rainfall on Sunday evening has damaged the wheat crop in Banke. The wheat crop that had just been harvested, as well as those in the field, was damaged by the pre-monsoon rain and wind.
Likewise, farmers have said that hail caused even greater damage to the wheat crop. The harvested wheat has been soaked in the rainwater, while those yet to be harvested were rendered useless by the hail and wind.
Senior Agricultural Extension Officer Anish Shrestha, Information Officer at the Agricultural Knowledge Center, Banke, said that although the sudden rain did not affect other crops, it has damaged the harvested wheat.
Details about the damage caused are being collected through the agriculture units in all eight municipalities, Information Officer Shrestha said. Banke was lashed by rainfall and heavy winds last Wednesday afternoon and on Sunday evening.
Nepal Farmers Federation Banke President Krishna Bikram KC said that the unseasonal rain and wind that occurred on the eve of the New Year have brought despair to the wheat farmers. He mentioned that the rain has also damaged the lentils.
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Source : Radio Nepal Online
