Chandigarh: Heavy rainfall across Punjab and Haryana has damaged harvested paddy stored in grain markets, leaving farmers worried about financial losses and delays in procurement.
Markets in Fazilka, Punjab, and Ambala, Haryana, were among the affected areas after sudden rain on Sunday, October 11.
In Fazilka, rainwater inundated large sections of the grain market, submerging sacks under several feet of water and washing away heaps of paddy.
Market sources said around seven to eight lakh bags of sold and unsold paddy were lying in the market.
Farmers and commission agents blamed inadequate drainage arrangements, alleging that repeated requests for preventive measures had gone unaddressed.
In Ambala, paddy stored in open areas at several grain markets, including Mohra, was soaked by rain.
Farmers said incomplete arrangements and a shortage of covered storage space left their produce exposed despite attempts to protect it with tarpaulins.
Wet paddy could require additional drying and may face difficulties during government procurement because of increased moisture.
The untimely rainfall has also raised concerns over standing paddy crops flattened by strong winds and possible delays in harvesting.
Farmers are demanding better protection for their produce and compensation for losses.