Rain brings worries for farmers, Saras Mela exhibitors

The rain that began around 7.30 am today brought concern not only to farmers preparing to harvest paddy crop, but also to hundreds of exhibitors participating in the 10-day Saras Mela at the PAU grounds.

Farmers expressed anxiety over the untimely showers, which they fear could damage their nearly ripened crop, especially when accompanied by strong winds. Raghbir Singh Benipal, a farmer and senior leader of the Jamhuri Kisan Sabha, said the rain had given stress to the farming community. “The crop is yet to ripen fully, and we were planning to harvest it in another 10-12 days. This rain can harm the grain, and the strong winds can flatten the standing crop. We can only pray for mercy from nature, otherwise, farmers will suffer losses,” he said.

Although the Meteorological Department had predicted rain in advance, the showers still came as an unpleasant surprise for exhibitors at the mela. Many were seen hurriedly covering their stocks with tarpaulin sheets to prevent damage. “We are really worried. The rains not only affect our sales as visitors stay away, but also damage our products,” said Surdul, an artisan from Saharanpur, showcasing wooden handicrafts.

At the same time, there were others who took everything with a positive spirit. An exhibitor from Panchkula said when everything was in God’s hands, then no one should crib. “We get visitors in good numbers when the rain stops,” he said.

Meanwhile, the downpour has brought a sudden dip in temperature, with residents beginning to feel a slight chill in the air. For three-four hours, the incessant rain continued and around 12.30 pm, the rain stopped.