Jaipur, March 21 -- Unseasonal rain accompanied by thunderstorms over the past 24 hours has brought temporary relief from rising temperatures in Rajasthan, but caused widespread damage to standing and harvested rabi crops across several districts, prompting the state government to initiate damage assessment and relief measures. State agriculture minister Kirori Lal Meena said the revenue department has been directed to conduct a survey to assess crop losses. "If the damage exceeds 33% due to hailstorms or unseasonal rain, farmers will be compensated as per SDRF norms," he said. The state government has also extended insurance coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to include post-harvest losses. According to the agriculture department, crops kept in fields for drying after harvest will be eligible for claims if damaged within 14 days due to rain or natural calamities. Farmers must report losses within 72 hours through the Agriculture Rakshak portal, helpline 14447, insurance companies, banks, or local agriculture offices. Officials said insurance firms have been instructed to initiate immediate field surveys upon receiving complaints to ensure timely claim settlement. Departmental teams have also been asked to visit affected areas and assist farmers in securing relief. Meanwhile, the weather department said light to moderate rainfall was recorded in many parts of the state, with the highest precipitation of 25 mm reported from Nokha in Bikaner. Maximum temperatures remained 2 to 8 degrees Celsius below normal across most regions. The impact of an active western disturbance is expected to persist over northeastern Rajasthan, particularly in Bharatpur and Jaipur divisions, where light rain and thunderstorms may continue. "Another weak western disturbance may bring light rain or drizzle to border areas of western Rajasthan on March 21-22. However, most parts of the state are likely to remain dry over the next four to five days, with temperatures gradually rising by 2-3 degrees Celsius," officials said. Despite the respite from heat, the unseasonal weather has severely impacted farmers, especially in eastern Rajasthan. Districts including Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Deeg and Alwar reported damage to mustard and wheat crops nearing maturity due to late-night rain and hailstorms on Thursday. "Unseasonal rain has ruined our crops at the time of harvest. Agriculture is our only source of livelihood," said Himanshu Singh, a farmer from Amoli village in Bharatpur. Agriculture department officials said the exact extent of damage will be known after survey reports are compiled. "Farmers should inform insurance companies within 72 hours. The percentage of loss will be clear once reports are received," said Deshraj Singh, additional director, agriculture department, Bharatpur division. In Bharatpur district, several wheat fields were inundated, while waterlogging in parts of the city triggered protests by residents against the local administration. "We have urged the government to conduct a survey and provide compensation," said Rajaram Sinsini, district president of the Sarpanch Association. The impact has been equally severe in western Rajasthan's Thar region, including Barmer, Balotra, Jalore and Jaisalmer, where strong winds and rain damaged crops such as cumin, isabgol, castor and mustard. In many areas, harvested produce left in fields was soaked, leading to significant losses. Preliminary estimates suggest up to 80% damage to isabgol crops and around 40% losses to cumin. "Both cumin and isabgol crops have been almost completely destroyed," said Prem Singh Sodha, a farmer from Barmer. Another farmer, Amra Ram from Balotra, said, "We had taken loans for sowing. This rain has broken our backs. The government must provide immediate relief." Farmers across affected districts have submitted memorandums to authorities, demanding immediate crop damage surveys, compensation, loan relief and concessions in electricity bills. Farmer leaders have also warned of protests if their demands are not addressed. "If compensation is not provided, we will intensify our agitation," said Vird Singh Chouhan. Local representatives have urged the government to expedite girdawari (crop damage assessment) and release compensation. While preliminary assessments are underway, officials in some districts said formal directives are still awaited. Meanwhile, Barmer's district in-charge minister Joraram Kumawat, during a visit on Thursday, directed officials to conduct a detailed survey of crop losses. However, the administration said no formal orders for girdawari have been issued yet. "So far, we have not received directions from the state government regarding crop assessment. However, field authorities have been asked to carry out damage assessment," said Rajendra Singh Chandawat, additional district collector, Barmer....