Strong winds damage banana crops in Chhotaudepur, farmers seek compensation

Unseasonal strong winds accompanying pre-monsoon showers have caused extensive damage to banana crops in parts of Gujarat's Chhotaudepur district, leaving farmers worried about heavy financial losses just as the crop was nearing harvest.

The worst-hit areas were reported from Jabugam and nearby villages in Bodeli taluka, where gusty winds during the night uprooted and flattened large stretches of banana plantations.

According to farmers, the weather changed suddenly after midnight, with strong winds sweeping through the region. The powerful gusts snapped banana plants and brought down entire fields, destroying crops that were ready for harvest.

Many farmers said they had expected to begin selling the produce in the coming days and recover their investment after months of cultivation. However, the damaged crop is now unlikely to be marketable, resulting in substantial losses.

Residents said several banana plants carrying fully grown bunches were uprooted or broken midway, rendering the produce unusable.

The damage comes at the beginning of the monsoon season, raising concerns among farmers about the impact of further adverse weather conditions in the weeks ahead.

Farmers said they had invested heavily in seeds, fertilisers and irrigation and that the sudden destruction of the crop had dealt a severe blow to their livelihoods.

Visuals from affected villages showed large sections of flattened banana fields, with growers assessing the extent of the damage.

Affected farmers have urged the state government and the Agriculture Department to immediately conduct a survey of the affected areas and assess crop losses.

They have also demanded prompt financial assistance and compensation for farmers whose crops have been severely damaged by the strong winds.