Severe Storm Wreaks Havoc in Tonk, Destroying 150 Bigha of Millet Crops as Farmers Seek Urgent Relief Heavy rain and high-speed winds in Tonk district flattened nearly 150 bigha of standing bajra crops in Devganj village, leaving local farmers facing economic distress and an impending fodder shortage. A sudden spell of harsh weather has dealt a severe blow to the farming community in the Tonk district of Rajasthan. Two days ago, intense rainfall accompanied by strong gale winds struck Devganj village, situated under the Mandawar Gram Panchayat, causing widespread agricultural damage. Standing pearl millet crops spread across approximately 150 bigha of farmland were flattened to the ground. After investing months of intense labor and substantial capital, local cultivators now face severe financial distress just as the crops were nearing harvest. With the fallen stalks lying soaked in the fields, farmers are extremely worried about grain rot and total crop failure. Crop Destruction and Growing Financial Crisis Cultivators in Devganj village highlighted that they had spent months tending to the millet crop, incurring heavy expenditure on seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and field preparation. The standing crops held great promise for a bountiful harvest until the unseasonal storm struck two days ago, destroying their expectations. High winds knocked down the tall millet stalks, causing them to collapse onto the waterlogged soil. Farmers fear that unless the fields dry up quickly and the crop is salvaged, the quality of the grain will deteriorate rapidly, leading to a massive decline in overall agricultural yield and compounding their financial losses. Threat to Livestock and Impending Fodder Deficit The impact of this weather damage extends beyond crop yields and farm revenue, directly affecting the livestock economy of the village. In rural Rajasthan, pearl millet stalks serve as a primary source of dry fodder for cattle and other farm animals. With the crop lying flattened in wet fields, the quality of the stalk has been compromised, posing a threat of rot and spoilage. Residents of Devganj pointed out that if the crop residue becomes unusable, cattle-rearing households will face an acute shortage of animal feed in the coming weeks, jeopardizing their secondary source of livelihood. Farmers Demand Immediate Damage Assessment and Compensation Following the damage, the farming community of Devganj has appealed to the district administration and state authorities for prompt intervention. Villagers are demanding that agricultural and revenue officials visit the spot immediately to conduct a physical survey of the affected 150 bigha area. They stressed that any delay in carrying out the official damage assessment (girdawari) would make it difficult to determine the exact extent of loss suffered by individual farmers. Consequently, the affected villagers have urged the District Collector and the Tehsildar to expedite the girdawari process and distribute financial compensation to eligible farmers in accordance with government regulations. What this means for you The sudden storm in Tonk has directly impacted local cultivators and livestock owners who depend on millet crops for food and fodder. • Across India: Unseasonal storms and changing weather patterns pose a threat to coarse grain yields, potentially leading to price volatility in regional agricultural markets. • In Tonk (Rajasthan): Farmers in Devganj village face severe economic distress due to the loss of 150 bigha of standing crops right before harvest. • Impact on Livestock: Damage to millet stalks risks creating an acute fodder shortage, directly affecting milk yield and animal health in cattle-rearing households. • Administrative Steps: Local farmers are urging the Collector and Tehsildar to complete a formal damage survey (girdawari) to enable timely government relief distribution. Questions & Answers 1. Which village in Tonk district suffered heavy crop damage? Devganj village, located in the Mandawar Gram Panchayat of Tonk district, suffered severe crop damage due to the storm. 2. How much farmland was affected by the severe weather in Devganj? Approximately 150 bigha of standing pearl millet crop was affected by the rain and strong winds in Devganj village. 3. What are the primary concerns for farmers following the crop loss? Farmers face immediate financial distress due to lost yields and an impending shortage of dry fodder for their livestock. 4. Which officials have the farmers approached for survey and compensation? Farmers have appealed to the District Collector and Tehsildar to order an immediate survey (girdawari) and award compensation as per rules. https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/rajasthan-ke-tonk-men-teja-andhi-se-bhari-nukasana-150-bigha-bajare-ki-boai-nashta-hone-ke-bada-prashasanika-madada-ki-guhara-23542 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.