Unseasonal rain damages crops, grain stock in Haryana; farmers seek relief

Unseasonal rain lashed several parts of Haryana on Monday and Tuesday, causing significant damage to standing crops and uncovered grain stock in markets.

According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Narnaul recorded the highest rainfall at 41 mm, followed by Mahendragarh (33 mm), Ambala (26.8 mm), Palwal (26.5 mm), Hisar (19.2 mm), Gurugram (18.5 mm), Sirsa (16.5 mm), Karnal (14.8 mm), Kaithal (12 mm), Rohtak (10 mm), Panipat (5 mm), and Mewat (4 mm).

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Farmers expressed serious concern over the losses, stating that the rain arrived at a critical time during the harvesting season.

“Our crops were almost ready for sale, but now they are lying flattened and soaked. We fear huge losses,” said Vikram, a farmer.

Anil, another farmer, added that rice millers were refusing to procure paddy grains due to high moisture content. “The soaked grains in the grain markets now have excess moisture, which may lower their prices due to quality damage,” he said.

Meanwhile, Opposition leaders have demanded immediate relief and compensation for affected farmers.

“The government must send teams to assess the losses and announce compensation without delay,” said Shamsher Singh Gogi, former Congress MLA.

Farmer unions have also urged the administration to step in and prevent further damage.

“District administration should provide more protections in the grain markets,” said Jagdeep Aulakh, core committee member of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU).