Sitamarhi: Hailstorms and gusty winds battered Sitamarhi and Sheohar districts on Saturday, causing extensive damage to standing crops, vegetables and fruit orchards, including mango and litchi. Wheat and maize crops were the worst hit, farmers said.The untimely rain has left cultivators distressed, especially as wheat harvesting is barely a fortnight away. Strong winds, at over 50 kmph, swept through Sheohar and the western parts of Sitamarhi district, disrupting normal life.Power supply was partially affected in several areas, while a few trees were uprooted due to the gusty winds.Sitamarhi district agriculture officer Shantanu Kumar instructed block-level officials to assess the damage and prepare reports on crop losses to facilitate further action.
