CHANDIGARH, Oct 7 — Punjab’s agricultural sector is grappling with mounting challenges as persistent heavy rainfall delays the maturing and harvesting of the paddy crop, raising concerns over the timely sowing of the upcoming wheat crop.
Experts warn that the continuous rains are not only slowing paddy arrivals in the mandis (grain markets) but also posing a serious threat to the rabi sowing window, which ideally runs from October 15 to November 15. The downpour has caused lodging of plant shoots and shattered mature grains, further impeding the harvest.
A senior official from the Punjab Agriculture Department said, “The maturing and harvest of the paddy crop will be delayed, which will adversely impact arrivals in the mandis as well as the procurement process by state agencies.”
So far, nearly 50 lakh tonnes of paddy have been procured against a target of 175 lakh tonnes. Procurement began on September 15 and is scheduled to continue until November 15. “We are yet to get an authentic report about losses due to ongoing weather disturbances. Early-sown varieties have been harvested, with Patiala and SAS Nagar leading at up to 10%, while other districts are at nearly 6%,” said Jaswant Singh, Director Agriculture, Punjab.
Officials noted that the losses have been compounded by earlier floods and an outbreak of loose smut disease, reported in 25% of the crop area. Heavy rainfall was reported in districts including Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Bathinda. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted continued heavy rain and strong winds this week, while the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has issued alerts for areas downstream of Bhakra and Pong dams on the Sutlej and Beas rivers.
Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Vice-Chancellor Dr. S.S. Gosal estimated that over 5 lakh acres may be affected, with a potential yield drop of 4–5 quintals per acre — approximately 10–15% of normal output, translating to 22–25 quintals per acre. “The kharif season has been exceptionally harsh and unpredictable; by no means could crops be fully saved,” he added.
Dr. Gosal explained that excessive rainfall hindered optimum pollination, resulted in stunted plant growth due to overcast conditions, and increased nitrogen uptake, aggravating loose smut disease, all of which damaged grain development.
He also warned that wheat cultivation may be delayed. “Given the current pace, the paddy harvest may extend beyond mid-November, missing the ideal wheat sowing window of October 15 to November 15,” he said.
The delay is expected to increase paddy stubble fires, as farmers will have a shorter window to prepare land for wheat sowing. A senior state agriculture official noted, “We are suggesting best cultivation practices to farmers, but circumstances are challenging.”
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to meet state officials soon to discuss strategies for controlling farm fires and mitigating the impact on the upcoming wheat season.
