Widespread rain affects paddy crop in Punjab, Haryana

Chandigarh Sep 23 (IANS) Widespread rain in several parts of Punjab and Haryana in the last 24 hours has affected the standing paddy crop in the agrarian states.

Moderate to heavy rainfall was reported from various parts of both states on Saturday. In some areas the rainfall started on Friday evening.

Reports said that the paddy crop which is almost ready for harvest was damaged in some areas. Revenue officials in various districts have been asked to assess the damage to the crop.

Procurement of paddy in Punjab and Haryana is scheduled to begin from October 1.

Officials from Agriculture and Food and Supplies departments are expecting a bumper paddy crop in both states this time.

Chandigarh received over 104 mm of rain in the last 24 hours. The maximum temperature here was a cool 24.5 degrees.

Ambala and Karnal in Haryana received 86 and 65 mm of rain. In Punjab Patiala received 44 mm of rain.

--IANS
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