Jaipur/Jaisalmer: Unseasonal rainfall, accompanied by strong winds and sporadic hailstorms, has caused widespread damage to Rabi crops across Rajasthan, leaving farmers staring at heavy losses. Key crops such as wheat, barley, cumin and isabgol have been severely affected in several districts, including Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Alwar, Bhilwara, Ajmer, Jaisalmer and Barmer.In response, the state agriculture department has assured that crop losses will be covered under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), promising much-needed relief to affected farmers. Officials clarified that, besides standing crops, insurance coverage also applies to harvested crops left in fields to dry for up to 14 days after harvest under the scheme.Taking cognisance of the situation, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma directed all district collectors to conduct immediate girdawari (crop damage assessment) and submit reports at the earliest. “The pain of farmers is our pain. The prosperity of Rajasthan rests on our annadata brothers and sisters,” he said.To avail crop insurance benefits, farmers must report crop damage within 72 hours, officials said. Claims can be filed through the Agriculture Rakshak portal, the helpline number 14447, or by contacting the appropriate insurance company, bank or nearby agriculture office.Ground reports from western Rajasthan paint a grim picture. In the canal areas of Ramgarh and Mohangarh in Jaisalmer, rain accompanied by strong winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph damaged standing crops. Isabgol and cumin crops have been among the worst hit, with many farmers reporting near-total losses.Bhawani Singh, a farmer from Jaisalmer district’s Ramgarh area, said both his isabgol and cumin crops were almost completely destroyed by the unseasonal rain. “The cooler weather of the last few days has brought some relief from the heat, but it has increased our troubles. The damage to crops has created a serious livelihood crisis for farmers; the govt should provide immediate relief,” he said.Lale Khan, another farmer with crops in both Chandhan and Mohangarh areas of Jaisalmer, said heavy rains ruined his standing isabgol crops, while harvested cumin kept to dry in fields turned black due to excess moisture, making it unfit for sale.Similar damage was reported by farmers across Chandhan and adjoining areas of the district.
