Chandigarh, June 7: Paddy transplantation has begun in a staggered manner across the Tapa Mandi region, moving at a slower pace due to intense heatwaves and delays in monsoon arrival. According to the regional cultivation schedule issued by the state government, traditional sowing in this part of the Malwa region is slated to commence on June 9, following the earlier phases that started on June 1 in other zones. Growers are currently proceeding with caution, as weather forecasts indicate the monsoon may remain at least one to two weeks away.
Local farmers, including Hardeep Singh Sekhon, Budh Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Gurdeep Singh, Jassi Chatha, and Bhagwant Chatha, affirmed that the prevailing extreme heat has left the fields uncharacteristically quiet during what is usually a highly active season. They maintained that agricultural tasks must continue regardless of weather constraints, adding that while there is an ongoing shortage of migrant workers, laborers associated with their farms annually continue to assist with transplanting before returning to their home states.
The farming community also asserted that cultivation costs have risen disproportionately compared to crop returns. They declared that expenditures on essential inputs such as fuel, fertilizers, labor, seeds, and agricultural medicines are increasing day by day, which significantly compounds the financial pressure on families. Representatives from the agriculture sector noted that the government should actively stand by the breadwinners of the country and fulfill the welfare commitments made to the agrarian community.
