Punjab CM announces survey to assess damage to wheat crop due to rain in state

This rabi season, wheat has been sown over 34.9 lakh hectares in the state and the crop is at the maturing stage. It will be ready for harvest in two-three weeks.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday ordered a girdawari (survey) to assess the damage to the wheat crop due to the rain in the state over the past three days.

Wheat crop flattened after rain and gusty wind in Bathinda district on Monday. (Sanjeev Kumar/HT)

Mann made the announcement over Twitter.

This rabi season, wheat has been sown over 34.9 lakh hectares in the state and the crop is at the maturing stage. It will be ready for harvest in two-three weeks.

The rain in the state that started on Saturday and persisted on Sunday and Monday has left farm experts concerned. Before the spell of rain, the state agriculture department had predicted a bumper crop.

There are reports of damage to the crop from Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala and Fatehgarh Sahib districts, where the early sown varieties are grown.

The revenue and agriculture departments conduct the girdawari (survey) and will submit the report in a fortnight. Depending on the quantum of crop loss, farmers will be compensated.