Relief for paddy growers

Patiala, July 4

Heavy rain that lashed the district and surrounding areas today came as a relief for paddy growers as the plantation season is at its peak and a large amount of water was needed for it. It, notably, would reduce stress on groundwater, increasing chances of bumper crop.  

“The rain has come as a relief. I had sown paddy. Now, I am hopeful that my crop will be saved as rain has been predicted for next four or five days,” said Amrit Singh, a farmer from Smainpur Naina village in Patiala.   

 Jagmohan Singh, general secretary of the BKU, Dakunda, said,“Though the government had promised uninterrupted power supply to the agriculture sector, whatever  it is providing is not enough for farmers to keep their fields inundated to lessen chances of weed growth.”

“With tubewells, one can puddle only an acre and a half every day. But, when it rains, it becomes much easier for farmers to keep their fields inundated,” said Gyan Singh. — TNS