Unseasonal rain, strong winds and thunderstorms have added to farmers’ woes across northern India during the ongoing kharif harvest season. Standing paddy crops have been flattened in parts of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, while rainwater has damaged paddy stored in the open at grain markets, raising concerns over procurement, grain quality and storage.
The adverse weather has disrupted harvesting operations in several areas, particularly in Punjab, where paddy harvesting was already progressing slowly. Waterlogging in fields has made it difficult for combine harvesters to operate, while wet grain faces the risk of deterioration if it is not dried promptly.
Punjab Reports Heavy Rainfall in Several Districts
Punjab recorded 2.3 mm of rainfall during the 24 hours beginning at 8.30 am on October 10, against the normal average of 0.4 mm for the period, according to the reported figures. This was 477% above normal. Fazilka received the highest rainfall at 28 mm, followed by Faridkot at 9 mm, Muktsar at 7.7 mm, Pathankot at 3.9 mm, Ferozepur at 2.4 mm and Bathinda at 1.3 mm.
The impact was felt in both agricultural fields and grain markets. Parts of the grain market in Fazilka reportedly experienced waterlogging of up to around three feet. Paddy stored in the open was also drenched by rain at markets in Khanna, Batala and Gurdaspur.
Rainwater inundates parts of the grain market in Fazilka, Punjab.
Rain-soaked paddy, including grain stored in sacks, faces the risk of quality deterioration and germination if it remains wet. The damage could also complicate handling and storage at procurement centres.
Paddy harvesting in Punjab had been slow even before the latest spell of rain. Only around 12% of the crop had been harvested by October 10, according to the figures cited in reports. Waterlogged fields have further hampered the movement and operation of combine harvesters, with harvesting in affected areas potentially delayed by four to seven days.
Haryana Markets and Fields Also Affected
In Haryana, reports of flattened standing paddy and rain-soaked produce at grain markets have raised concerns among farmers. Waterlogging has been reported at markets in Ambala and Karnal, affecting paddy stored in sacks and grain kept in the open.
Farmers have complained about inadequate drainage and insufficient arrangements to protect produce from rain at procurement centres. The damage could add to the challenges of handling the incoming crop during the peak procurement season.
Uttar Pradesh Farmers Face Crop Losses
Unseasonal rain and strong winds have heightened concerns among farmers in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Reports indicate that numerous trees have been uprooted or fallen in some areas, while hailstorms have also occurred in a few locations. With paddy crops approaching harvest, the adverse weather has increased the risk of crop damage.
Heavy rainfall had already damaged kharif crops in several parts of the state during the last week of September.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed all district magistrates, divisional forest officers (DFOs) and the Uttar Pradesh Forest Corporation to provide relief to affected farmers and ensure the prompt removal of fallen trees.
In a relief measure announced on October 12, the state government said financial assistance totalling Rs. 493 crore was being transferred to the bank accounts of more than 900,000 farmers affected by crop losses caused by floods, excessive rainfall, hailstorms and cyclones. The assistance is intended to support farmers affected by weather-related damage, although a separate assessment of losses from the latest October rainfall across the state is still required.
Crop Damage Assessment and Compensation Awaited
Fallen paddy crops can suffer quality deterioration, while prolonged waterlogging increases the risk of rotting. Grain harvested before the rain must also be dried promptly to prevent germination and spoilage during storage.
No consolidated, official state-wise assessment of the total crop losses caused by the latest October rainfall in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh was available in the reports cited for this article. The extent of the affected area and the financial losses incurred by farmers will become clearer after field assessments by the respective agriculture departments.
Immediate priorities include draining water from fields and grain markets, covering paddy stored in the open, drying wet produce and conducting timely crop-loss assessments. Farmers will need prompt relief measures and compensation based on verified damage.
IMD Forecasts More Rain and Strong Winds on October 12–13
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast further rain, thunderstorms and strong winds across several northern states on October 12 and 13.
On October 12, winds reaching 50–60 kmph are possible in parts of Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh. Punjab may experience thunderstorms accompanied by winds of 40–50 kmph.
On October 13, winds of 40–50 kmph are forecast in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi. Western Rajasthan may also experience winds of 30–40 kmph. Light to moderate rainfall is expected at several places in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh.
Parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Uttarakhand may also experience thunderstorms, lightning and rain. The forecast adds to concerns over standing crops and harvested produce, particularly in areas where fields and markets are already waterlogged.