Rain, hailstones damage crops in region

Manmeet Singh Gill

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 17

Heavy rains, coupled with hailstones, have resulted in a damage to wheat and vegetable crops in the area. Farmers from many villages complained of flattening of their crop and waterlogging in fields.

A farmer from Chabba village, Nishan Singh, said his wheat crop had been extensively damaged and he fears a heavy loss. “Hailstones and high-velocity wind have done most of the damage. Unripened wheat too has suffered damages.”

The adverse weather in the area for the last many days has been a cause of worry for the agrarian community as wheat crop is ready to be harvested in most parts of the region. With rains causing waterlogging in fields, it will not be possible to operate heavy combine harvester machines.

Areas, such as Tarsikka, Jandiala and Verka where vegetable crops are prominently grown, have also reported a heavy damage due to hailstones. “Hailstones have damaged the saplings of vegetable plants and it will cause a huge loss,” said Harman Singh from Jandiala.

Farmers have demanded from the government an assessment of their loss for compensation. “The damage to the crop at this stage is very disheartening.

Farmers have been eagerly waiting for the crop to ripen but untimely rain and hailstones have shattered their dreams of a good harvest,” said Kuljit Singh from Malawali. He said that in Ajnala belt the crop damage has been seen in many areas.

Meanwhile, Chief Agriculture Officer Dalbir Singh Chinna said loss of crops from many areas has been reported. Field officials are preparing a report in this regard. Chinna said they hope that weather will become normal so that harvesting can be completed without any further loss.

Weather advisory

The district administration, in an advisory for the residents, mainly farmers, has stated that as per reports from the Meteorology Department, more rains and hailstorms are expected till April 21. Chief Agriculture Officer Dalbir Singh Chinna has asked the farmers not to indulge in panic harvesting as it will do more damage than good. He said that so far only a minimal damage has been reported. Residents have also been asked to park vehicles under roof and not in the open as winds, as fast as 70 kmph, are anticipated.