A fresh spell of rain accompanied by strong winds, triggered by active Western Disturbances, has deepened concerns among farmers across Haryana, with standing wheat crops flattened in several districts at a crucial harvesting stage.
The showers on Monday night and Tuesday morning disrupted harvesting operations and raised fears of losses both in fields and mandis. According to data from the Mera Fasal Mera Byora, over 69.7 lakh acres registered by more than 12.6 lakh farmers are currently under harvest, making the timing of the rainfall particularly damaging.
"The wheat crop was almost ready for harvesting, but the rains have flattened it. If the weather does not improve, the yield will be badly affected," said Surinder Kumar, a farmer.
"The timing of the rain is unfortunate. We were expecting good returns, but now we are worried about recovery of even the input costs," said Inderjeet Singh Goraya of the Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Congress, demanding special girdawari and a relief package.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for rain, strong winds and hailstorms in 17 districts, including Hisar, Karnal, Rohtak, Gurugram and Faridabad, with more showers expected over the next two days.