Rain trouble for Punjab farmers: Paddy crops in fields and heaps of grains stacked in mandis getting damaged; watch video

 PTC Web Desk:  While the rains since Monday morning have brought much-needed relief from the humid and oppressive heat across Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, they have come as a nightmare for farmers. Already struggling with crop losses caused by recent floods, farmers now face another blow as paddy crops in fields and heaps of grains stacked in mandis (markets) are getting damaged by the continuous rainfall and strong winds.

Intermittent rain showers lashed several parts of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh since early Monday, accompanied by gusty winds that have worsened the plight of farmers. According to reports, heavy rain was recorded in over 10 cities, including Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Moga, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Mohali, Patiala, and Fatehgarh Sahib.

Farmers said while the rain had lowered the temperature and brought relief to the general public, it had severely affected the paddy harvesting process. Standing paddy crops had flattened in many fields due to high winds, and waterlogging has halted harvesting in several districts.

Adding to their worries, heaps of harvested paddy stored in mandis have become wet due to the sudden downpour. This has sparked concerns over the quality of the grains and possible financial losses. “The rain has soaked the paddy brought for sale in mandis, and this will impact its market value,” said a farmer.

The Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and winds blowing at 30–40 kmph in several parts of Punjab and Haryana over the next 48 hours. Experts attribute the rainfall to the impact of a western disturbance combined with moist air from the Arabian Sea.

According to the IMD, several districts recorded a noticeable drop in mercury levels, and the weather is likely to remain cloudy with scattered showers for the next two days.