Heavy Rain Damages Grain Stocks at Mandis in Amritsar and Narela
Massive rainfall has soaked grain stocks at mandis in Amritsar and Delhi's Narela, leaving farmers facing significant financial losses.
In a devastating blow to the agricultural community, heavy rainfall on Thursday has caused widespread damage to grain stocks stored at mandis in Punjab's Amritsar and Delhi's Narela. The downpour has left farmers facing massive financial losses as their produce was left exposed to the elements.
Farmers Face Devastating Losses in Punjab and Delhi
At the Bhagtanwala grain market in Amritsar, the situation was grim as sacks of grain were left soaked by the sudden downpour. Farmers expressed their frustration, noting that the rain arrived almost immediately after they had transported their produce to the market.
Kawaljit Singh, a local farmer, described the heartbreak of seeing his hard work ruined. "It started raining again once we brought the grains here. The grains are all moist and damaged now. This is a huge loss for farmers," he told ANI. He added that the farmers are now demanding urgent compensation from the government to mitigate the damage.
A similar scene unfolded at the New Grain Market in Narela, Delhi. Farmers from various regions reported that their produce was left vulnerable due to a lack of adequate infrastructure. One farmer from Etah, Uttar Pradesh, who brought 200 quintals of grain to the market, lamented the lack of protective tin sheds. "It is raining, and there are no arrangements for a tin shed here... I will not get anything now," he said.
Another farmer from Jaleswar noted that while some tin sheds were available, they were completely full, and the few tents provided were insufficient to cover the massive volume of grain. "My grains are all drenched now. This is a great loss. There are no facilities here," he lamented.
Political Fallout and Procurement Failures
The incident has sparked a political firestorm in Punjab. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab Minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia slammed the Punjab government for what he termed a "total failure."
Majithia pointed out that the early sowing season this year meant that crops reached the mandis ahead of schedule. However, he alleged that the government failed to initiate the necessary procurement and lifting of produce. "The government has dealt a double blow to the farmers. First, the sowing season began early this year... Yet, the government remained fast asleep; even now, they have failed to initiate the lifting of produce," Majithia said.
He further accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of neglecting the welfare of the farming community, claiming that farmers have yet to receive compensation for previous crop damage and floods. "The farmers haven't even received compensation for previous losses, let alone talking about new compensation," he added.
Weather Forecast and Regional Impact
The heavy rainfall, which brought cooler temperatures and overcast skies to the region, was part of a larger weather pattern. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously forecasted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and light to moderate rainfall, with gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph during the afternoon and night on Thursday.