India, March 18 -- During January 2026, unseasonal rain, hailstorms and cyclones affected a total 17,481 hectares, impacting 30,413 farmers across three districts in Maharashtra, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary told the Lok Sabha.

The government provided an amount of Rs 2,256.87 lakh as relief of compensation to the affected farmers during January 2026. During February 2026, unseasonal rain, hailstorms and cyclones affected a total of 46,980.94 hectares, according to primary reports. A survey of the affected areas is in progress, said Choudhary.

Agricultural land

The extent of agricultural land in India has remained relatively stable, according to the latest annual publication of the Department...