Chandigarh, February 13
If earlier it was scarcity which was worrying farmers, now it is plenty of rain which is giving them the jitters. The rain has also brought disturbing news for consumers. As an immediate aftermath of the unprecedented heavy rain over the past four days, the prices of vegetables are set to go through the roof.

According to reports received here, the rain and hailstorms in many parts of the region have badly affected the matured potato crop as well as vegetable crops like peas and tomatoes. With large areas under vegetable cultivation being waterlogged, experts say that for the next 20 days or so the yield will come down considerably, leading to the skyrocketing of prices. Though vegetables reach the region from other states also, the supply, which will not be complemented by local sources, is unlikely to meet the demand.

The standing mustard, gram and pulse crops have suffered extensive damage in Haryana, according to the reports.

The wheat crop, too, is in danger because the fields have been waterlogged. Agricultural experts feel that if the rain stops by tomorrow and the farmers are able to drain out their fields, there will not be much damage to the wheat crop in Haryana.

The Director, Agriculture, Mr R.K. Khullar, says since wheat has been sown on an additional about 1 lakh hectares this year, the production of wheat this year is likely to be more than that recorded last year, despite damage to the crop in certain pockets due to waterlogging.

The experts say that as the wheat crop is still at the "milking stage" and grain formation is yet to take place, the relatively sturdy crop will be able to withstand the damage caused by the rain. But any further rain will certainly cause a huge loss to the farmers and the nation, which may once again have to import wheat.