Cloudy skies keep farmers worried

Cloudy skies, scattered rainfall and gusty winds in parts of the Majha region have led to anxiety among farmers in the middle of the wheat harvesting season. While no official crop damage has been reported so far, the unpredictable weather is likely to delay the harvesting process. Farmers are growing increasingly concerned as the moisture content in the wheat crop can affect both harvesting and procurement.

Despite the slow arrival of grain in the local markets due to weather-related delays, the Punjab Government has assured that all procurement arrangements are already in place.

District Mandi Officer Amandeep Singh said Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney is monitoring the situation daily through online meetings and has issued strict directives to safeguard the wheat crop from potential rain damage. “Tarpaulins and polythene sheets have been arranged in all mandis to cover the produce that is not stored under permanent sheds. Wherever rain was reported today, immediate action was taken to protect the crop,” the District Mandi Officer said.

He emphasised that the administration aims to purchase the harvested crop and process payments within 24 hours to ensure that farmers do not have to wait long in the markets. “Farmers are advised not to use combine harvesters at night, especially in areas which have experienced rainfall. Harvesting should only be done once the crop is completely dry,” he added. Meanwhile, Punjab Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO visited various grain markets.

Amritsar