A sudden change in weather on March 20 and 21, 2026, has left farmers across Bihar in deep distress. High-speed winds, heavy rain, and intense hailstorms have battered several districts, including Muzaffarpur and Khagaria. The standing wheat crop, which was almost ready for harvest, has been flattened in many areas, leading to massive financial losses for the rural population and agricultural community.
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Impact on Crops and Life Across Bihar Districts
The storm, with wind speeds reaching 60 km/h, affected more than 30 districts in the state. While agriculture bore the maximum brunt, the human cost has also been significant. In Gaya, two individuals lost their lives due to lightning strikes, while in Araria, two children died following a wall collapse caused by the storm. Major crops like wheat, maize, mustard, and seasonal fruits like mango and litchi have suffered extensive damage.
- Highly Affected Areas: Gaighat, Katra, and Aurai in Muzaffarpur reported severe hail impact.
- Crop Loss: Wheat and mustard crops in Khagaria and Purnia are significantly damaged.
- Power Outages: Strong winds led to uprooted trees and damaged power lines in several northern districts.
Compensation Rules and Government Response
The Bihar government has a provision for agriculture input grants if the crop loss is 33% or more. Affected farmers are demanding immediate relief to cover their losses and debts. Central Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has instructed officials to work with the state to assess the damage accurately so that benefits from the PM Fasal Bima Yojana can reach the farmers quickly.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Alert Status | Red Alert issued for 16 districts by IMD |
| Safety Advice | Stay indoors and avoid electric poles during storms |
| Survey Process | Block and Panchayat level officers to submit reports |
| Maximum Grant | Up to 22,500 rupees per hectare previously provided |
