Untimely rain worries farmers, paddy harvest to be delayed

Untimely rains coupled with winds have left paddy farmers worried in Ambala and Kurukshetra districts. The paddy crop at several places has flattened, while the produce lying open in the grain markets got completely drenched too, resulting in a higher moisture level in the crop. Around 32,000 quintal paddy stocks arrived at the Ambala Cantonment grain market till Friday.

Crop on 14 acres flattened

I have sown paddy on 14 acres. My crop has flattened due to rain. It will delay the harvest and affect the yield. I also grow potato crop, but due to rain, the sowing has been delayed. Rajiv Sharma, farmer

Rajiv Sharma, a farmer from Hasanpur village, said “I have sown paddy on 14 acres. My crop has flattened due to rain and strong winds, and it will delay the harvest and affect the yield. I also grow potato crop, but due to rain, the sowing has been delayed.”

Bhartiya Kisan Mazdoor Union district president Sukhvinder Singh said: “Along with paddy, the rain has affected the vegetable crops too. Earlier the farmers used to grow 120-day duration varieties of paddy, but over the past several years, farmers have shifted to growing 90-day duration varieties as these require less water and mature early. The government should advance the procurement of paddy and start it around September 15 so that the crop is timely harvested.”

Ambala Deputy Director Agriculture Dr Jasvinder Singh said: “There are reports of crops lying flattened in some areas. The department will conduct a survey to ascertain the extent of loss.” Meanwhile, Kurukshetra District Food and Civil Supplies Controller Surender Saini said: “All arrangements are in place to ensure smooth procurement of paddy. ”