Rain damages moong, maize crops in Muktsar

While the recent spell of rain has brought relief for paddy and basmati growers, it has wreaked havoc on moong and maize crops in Muktsar district, just as these were ready for harvest. In several parts, cotton fields also lie waterlogged, leaving farmers staring at potential losses.

“I had three acres under moong crop, but everything has got submerged. The crop is completely devastated. Our village had nearly 250 acres under moong, and the entire crop has been damaged. The maize crop has also suffered damage due to waterlogging,” said Gagan Deep Singh, a farmer from Kabarwala village.

The district has around 13,200 hectares under cotton cultivation this season. The growers are worried that the standing water may lead to further deterioration once the sun shines again.

Karanjit Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer, Muktsar, said, “Moong and maize crops have suffered damage in several areas. Farmers will now use the ruined crop as green manure. The fate of cotton crop will be known only after the weather clears. The crop often dies once the sun shines again after heavy rainfall.”

He also blamed clogged drains for the widespread waterlogging. “Our teams found drainage systems blocked in some villages,” he said. Farmers say government officials should conduct ground surveys and announce compensation for the losses. Meanwhile, there is a forecast of more rain in the coming days.