Pune: After facing damage to kharif crops due to extended monsoon lasst year, IMD has forecast heavy rain and hailstorms next week between March 17 and 20 for which the agriculture department has issued advisory for farmers to protect their rabi crops.As per IMD, light rain activity is likely in parts of Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha from March 14 to March 18, with most areas seeing only isolated showers, not widespread rain. Konkan coast is likely to remain mostly dry, with rain chances very low during this period. Over Vidarbha around March 18, there is a possibility of rain with scattered (SCT) activity.Based on the IMD forecast, the state agriculture department issued an advisory for farmers across the state. “Around this time of the year, some farmers harvest their rabi crops but against the backdrop of the IMD’s warning of rain and hail storms at some places, the agriculturedepartment has advised farmers to ensure that they take precautionarymeasures while storing their harvest produce to avoid damages,” a senior agriculture official said.
