A farmer in Barwani was hospitalised on Friday after his banana plantation spread across nine acres was flattened by severe winds and rain, even as over 200 farmers in neighbouring Khargone blocked the Khandwa–Baroda Highway demanding canal water. With the monsoon running nearly 10 days late, Madhya Pradesh is staring at a deepening farm crisis just as the Kharif sowing season gets underway.

The state has recorded a 39% rainfall deficit so far this season, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While scattered thunderstorms have brought some relief to parts of western MP, the absence of widespread rain has left fields parched and farmers anxious.

Barwani: ₹36 lakh loss, farmer's health deteriorates

In Khadki village of Barwani district, brothers Ambaram and Gangaram watched helplessly as their ready-to-harvest banana crop was flattened by strong winds accompanied by unseasonal rain. Around 1,500 banana plants were destroyed.

The brothers had invested nearly ₹14 lakh in the plantation and estimate their total losses at approximately ₹36 lakh. Ambaram's health deteriorated sharply after the crop was destroyed, forcing his family to rush him to the Rajpur Health Centre.

The family has urged the district administration to conduct an immediate damage assessment and provide compensation.

Khargone: Farmers block highway, bullock carts parked on road

In Khargone district, the delayed monsoon has dried up the Veda, Kunda and Kharak rivers, worsening the water crisis for agriculture. On Friday morning, more than 200 farmers parked bullock carts across the Khandwa–Baroda Highway around 11:30 am, blocking traffic for several hours. Long queues of vehicles formed on both sides as protesters demanded the release of canal water for irrigation. Officials said they were attempting to pacify the agitators while assessing the situation.

Sowing delayed as soil moisture remains inadequate

The absence of adequate rainfall has significantly delayed the sowing of key Kharif crops, including soybean, urad, moong and tur. S.S. Dhakad, Senior Scientist at the Shajapur Krishi Vigyan Kendra, said fields require at least 100 mm (4 inches) of rainfall to achieve sufficient soil moisture for sowing.

He warned that in districts where farmers have already sown soybean despite inadequate rainfall, seeds may fail or deteriorate due to insufficient moisture. "Farmers should wait for adequate rains before planting," he advised.

IMD predicts monsoon entry by June 25; 39 districts under alert

Meteorologist said a cyclonic circulation and three active trough lines over western Madhya Pradesh are triggering thunderstorms and scattered rainfall across parts of the state. Light showers accompanied by thunder and lightning are likely in districts including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Raisen, Sehore, Vidisha, Guna, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Sagar, Panna, Chhatarpur and Niwari.

Hot weather conditions, however, continue to prevail in Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Maihar, Katni, Umaria, Khandwa, Khargone and Jhabua.

Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast that the monsoon is expected to enter Madhya Pradesh around June 25, nearly 10 days later than usual. Further updates on the progress of the monsoon are awaited.

Why this matters

The delayed monsoon comes at a critical time for Madhya Pradesh's agrarian economy. With the state heavily dependent on the Kharif season for its agricultural output, any further delay could impact food production and farmer incomes. The Congress-led opposition has criticised the state government's handling of the situation, while the BJP administration has directed district collectors to remain on alert.

Chhattisgarh is set to witness a sharp rise in temperature over the coming days, signaling the return of intense summer conditions. According to the Meteorological Department, maximum temperatures across the state are expected to increase by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius within the next four days. This rise will significantly intensify daytime heat, making outdoor conditions increasingly uncomfortable.

Temperatures Likely to Cross 42°C

From April 12 onwards, regions including Raipur, Bilaspur, and Durg divisions are likely to record temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius. This surge in temperature may lead to heatwave-like conditions in several areas, raising concerns for public health and safety. Residents are advised to remain cautious as the mercury continues to climb.

Recent Weather Conditions

In the past 24 hours, some parts of the state experienced light rainfall, although most regions remained dry. Rajnandgaon recorded the highest maximum temperature at 37.5°C, while Ambikapur reported the lowest minimum temperature at 19°C. Despite minor fluctuations, dry weather conditions have largely persisted across the state.

Impact of Weather Systems

A cyclonic circulation is currently active over Odisha, along with a north-south trough extending towards Tamil Nadu. However, these weather systems are not significantly influencing Chhattisgarh at present. As a result, dry atmospheric conditions continue to dominate, contributing to the steady rise in temperature.

Forecast for the Coming Days

The weather department has predicted clear skies across the state on April 10, with dry conditions expected to persist for the next two days. In Raipur, the maximum temperature is likely to hover around 38°C, while the minimum temperature may remain close to 25°C. The absence of cloud cover will further enhance heat intensity during the daytime.

Precautionary Measures Advised

With temperatures rising steadily, authorities have urged people to take necessary precautions. Avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak afternoon hours, staying hydrated, and taking special care of children and the elderly are essential steps to prevent heat-related illnesses. Increased awareness and preparedness can help minimize the risks associated with extreme heat.