Chandigarh: Unseasonal rain accompanied by strong winds during the peak period of paddy harvesting and official procurement has severely heightened concerns and difficulties for farmers across Punjab. According to the latest report released by the Department of Agriculture Punjab, heavy rain over the past 48 hours has directly impacted mature paddy crops across more than 13,500 hectares in the state. Strong winds and rain have flattened standing crops in fields across several areas, while harvested paddy brought by farmers to grain markets has been soaked with rainwater.

Patiala worst affected, district-wise figures:

According to preliminary figures compiled by the Agriculture Department, details of crop damage have emerged across various districts in the state. Patiala district has taken the brunt of the damage.

Patiala: 9,256 hectares

Ludhiana: 2,000 hectares

Gurdaspur: 1,337 hectares

Sri Muktsar Sahib: 700 hectares

Hoshiarpur: 221 hectares

Bathinda: 80 hectares

The department clarified that comprehensive damage reports from several other districts, including Fazilka, were still pending submission to the head office. Consequently, the final official figure for the total area impacted by rain may be updated in the coming days.

Impact on paddy yield and harvesting operations:

According to the report citing Director of Agriculture Dr Gurjit Singh, total paddy yield in the rain-affected areas is estimated to decline by 3 to 4 percent. Dr Gurjit Singh explained that standing water in fields and excessively wet soil conditions could delay harvesting operations by combine harvesters by three to four days in several belts, raising concerns of a delayed procurement season.

Paddy soaked in mandis, worries over moisture levels:

The rain has also severely impacted grain markets across Punjab. Due to lack of adequate drainage systems in multiple mandis, waterlogging occurred, and serious reports were received of open paddy heaps and stacked bags getting drenched. This has significantly raised farmer anxieties over deteriorating grain quality, grain discoloration, and rising moisture levels that could disrupt official procurement. Under these circumstances, covering produce thoroughly with tarpaulins, clearing water from fields and mandi yards, and ensuring safe storage of grains at purchase centres have become critical.

Focus on ground assessment and official action:

Affected farmers facing crop loss are now waiting for district-level field surveys and special ground inspections to determine the final assessment of damage. Currently, the figures released regarding the affected area remain preliminary. No confirmed claims regarding compensation amounts or government clearances are being stated in this report. Subsequent updates will incorporate formal notifications and crop assessment reports issued by the Punjab government and the Agriculture Department.