Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 12
Widespread rain across Punjab may have brought cheer among residents reeling under high temperature and humidity but it is a cause for concern for the farming community.
As the state witnessed widespread rain, and the Met department predicts downpour for another two days, farmers are on a strict vigil in their fields. While the yield of paddy crop, which is at the tillering stage, could be affected because of the heavy rain, the cotton farmers are standing guard against the attack of the bollworm.
Officials in the Agriculture Department anticipate that rain at this time was likely to delay the arrival of paddy in mandis as the moisture content would be high. Due to possibility of rain, farmers were advised to temporarily withhold irrigation and chemical spray in the crops and vegetables. They were also advised to keep a vigil on pest diseases in the fields, said a crop advisory by the IMD.
Paddy arrival in Punjab mandis may be delayed: Agriculture Department
{$excerpt:n}
