An unexpected spell of rain and thunderstorms in Gujarat has led the state agriculture department to issue a new advisory for farmers. The advisory urges immediate protective measures for both standing and harvested crops due to recent unstable weather conditions. Parts of Saurashtra, including Amreli and Jamnagar, experienced rainfall and hail, causing disruptions in harvesting activities and concerns about potential crop damage.
Ahmedabad saw a cooler day and warmer-than-normal night, indicating changing atmospheric conditions associated with a western disturbance and cyclonic circulation over west Rajasthan. The India Meteorological Department reported isolated rainfall in Gujarat and Saurashtra–Kutch over the past 24 hours, with forecasts predicting further light to moderate rain and thundershowers across multiple districts. The weather conditions are expected to persist until around March 21, with widespread activity anticipated in north Gujarat, Saurashtra–Kutch, and parts of south Gujarat.
The agriculture department’s advisory highlights the likelihood of light to moderate unseasonal rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in various districts, including Banaskantha, Patan, Sabarkantha, Jamnagar, Morbi, Kutch, Rajkot, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and parts of south Gujarat. Farmers are urged to follow the guidelines strictly to safeguard their valuable crops during this weather spell. Precautionary measures are being disseminated to farmers through the Krushi Pragati application and social media platforms to minimize potential losses to crops.
Farmers are instructed to take immediate action to protect their produce, including shifting harvested crops to safer locations or covering them with plastic sheets. They are also advised to create soil bunds around stored produce to prevent rainwater seepage and ensure proper field drainage to avoid waterlogging in standing crops. The department recommends postponing irrigation and pesticide spraying during rainy conditions and emphasizes the safe storage of moisture-sensitive crops like cumin, isabgol (psyllium), and fennel.
In agricultural market yards, farmers and traders are directed to store grains and produce under sheds or cover them properly to avoid exposure to adverse weather conditions. Bringing produce to markets for sale during unfavorable weather is discouraged where possible. The department also advises storing fertilizers and seeds securely to prevent moisture exposure. Farmers seeking further guidance are encouraged to contact local agricultural officials, including gram sevaks and extension officers, or reach out to the Kisan Call Centre helpline.
The advisory coincides with weather systems linked to a western disturbance affecting conditions in Gujarat, bringing cloud cover, gusty winds, and scattered rainfall following a period of high temperatures earlier in the month.
