Kumar Bahukhandi
A mature paddy field in Chhattisgarh illustrates the crops at risk as an agricultural advisory issued in Raipur on Sunday, October 25, 2026, urges farmers to pause harvesting, protect cut produce and ensure drainage ahead of possible heavy rainfall.(Representational Image -Source-Internet)
Indira Gandhi Agricultural University issues an advisory for October 25–29, urging farmers to protect harvested crops, ensure drainage and safeguard livestock.
Key Highlights
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of Chhattisgarh between October 25 and 29.
- Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam directs departmental officials and field personnel to remain alert.
- Farmers are advised to postpone harvesting mature paddy, pulses and oilseeds for two to four days.
- Harvested produce should be moved to safe storage, with drainage channels cleared to prevent waterlogging.
- Scientists recommend postponing pesticide and fungicide spraying until the weather clears.
- Vegetable growers, orchard owners and livestock rearers are advised to take protective measures.
Raipur: Farmers across Chhattisgarh are advised to take precautionary measures as a developing cyclonic system over the Bay of Bengal may bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to parts of the state between October 25 and 29. Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, has issued a weather-based agricultural advisory recommending a temporary pause in harvesting, safe storage of harvested crops and adequate drainage to minimise possible losses.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam and Agriculture Production Commissioner Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi have directed departmental officers, employees and field personnel to remain alert and provide necessary assistance to farmers.
Rainfall Activity Expected to Increase
According to the India Meteorological Department forecast cited in the advisory, a depression over the southeastern Bay of Bengal may intensify into a cyclonic storm.
Rainfall activity in Chhattisgarh is expected to increase from October 25, with heavy to very heavy rain possible at some locations, particularly on October 28 and 29.
The advisory also refers to possible wind speeds of 115–140 kilometres per hour associated with the cyclonic system. These figures concern the system over the Bay of Bengal and should not be interpreted as a forecast of those wind speeds across Chhattisgarh.
Bastar and Other Districts Advised to Remain Vigilant
The forecast cited in the advisory indicates the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations in Bastar, Dantewada and Sukma districts on October 25, with heavy to very heavy rain elsewhere in the region.
Raipur, Gariaband, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Durg and Rajnandgaon are also among the districts where heavy rainfall may occur.
For October 26, the advisory identifies Durg, Balod, Rajnandgaon, Mohla–Manpur–Ambagarh Chowki, Kondagaon, Kanker, Narayanpur, Bastar, Bijapur and Sukma among areas facing the possibility of heavy to very heavy rain.
Rainfall activity may continue across most districts on October 27. Rain is forecast across the state on October 28 and 29, with heavy to very heavy falls possible at some locations.
Pause Harvesting and Protect Cut Crops
Agricultural scientists advise farmers to postpone harvesting paddy, pulses and oilseeds approaching maturity for the next two to four days, taking local weather conditions into account.
Farmers who have already begun harvesting should move cut crops promptly to safe locations to protect them from rain.
The university also recommends ensuring that excess water can drain out of fields. Keeping drainage channels functional can help reduce waterlogging and the resulting damage to standing crops.
Wait for Clear Weather Before Spraying
Farmers noticing symptoms of pest infestation or crop disease are advised to undertake necessary pesticide or fungicide spraying only after the weather clears.
Spraying during rainfall should be avoided, in accordance with the university’s advisory.
For farmers preparing to sow rabi crops, scientists suggest beginning sowing from the first week of November, subject to suitable weather and field conditions.
Provide Support to Vegetable Crops and Fruit Trees
Vegetable and fruit growers are advised to remain particularly cautious because of the possibility of strong winds and rain.
Support structures should be secured for climbing vegetables, especially bitter gourd and bottle gourd. Banana plants and fruit-bearing trees should also be supported wherever necessary.
Growers should ensure proper drainage in vegetable fields and avoid pesticide and fungicide applications during rain.
Keep Livestock in Dry, Secure Shelters
Livestock rearers are advised to house animals in safe, dry locations and avoid tethering them beneath trees or in exposed areas during strong winds and rainfall.
Adequate supplies of dry fodder and clean drinking water should be arranged to maintain animal care during adverse weather.
Follow Updated Forecasts and Agricultural Advice
Indira Gandhi Agricultural University urges farmers to monitor weather forecasts regularly and follow advice issued by agricultural scientists.
The university stresses that timely precautions can help reduce potential damage to standing crops, harvested produce, horticultural plantations and livestock as weather conditions develop.
