With just ten days left before the start of paddy procurement season, rains are threatening to affect the quality of paddy crop in Punjab and Haryana.
"If rains continue to pour next couple of days, then it can adversely affect the quality of grains," Punjab Agriculture Department Director BS Sidhu said.
According to Sidhu, rains at this stage could lead to discolouration of grains, which will create problems in rice procurement for the central pool by lifting agencies.
"Weather at this stage should be clear which can help in maturing the crop," he said.
The matter assumes significance as any crop damage at this stage due to rains or thundershowers could impact the rice contribution of Punjab and Haryana.
Punjab contributes 35 per cent while Haryana contributes 30-35 per cent of rice to the central pool. Punjab and Haryana are eyeing 165 lakh metric tonne and 55 lakh MT of paddy respectively in current Kharif marketing season.
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According to Met department forecast, moderate to heavy rains are likely to occur at several places in Punjab and Haryana during the next 48 hours.
Northern region has been facing moderate to heavy rains, which caused flooding of areas including agricultural fields at several places in Punjab and Haryana.
Torrential rains hit the paddy crop in both states in July this year as paddy sown over 4 lakh acres was damaged by flooding in both states.
Besides, farm experts are concerned that rains could also cast shadow on cotton crop, which is almost ready for harvesting in both the states.
"If rains consistently occur for couple of days, then it will lead to seed germination in cotton crop, ultimately affecting the cotton balls," said a cotton expert.
Cotton in Punjab has already been hit by leaf curl disease and white fly insect, particularly in Abohar area, he said.
Punjab and Haryana have sown cotton on 5.30 lakh hectares area and 4.5 lakh hectares area this season with expected output of 22.76 lakh bales and 20 lakh bales respectively.