Bathinda/Rohtak: Untimely rain, hailstorms and gusty winds battered large parts of Punjab and Haryana, flattening standing wheat crop at the ripening stage and triggering fresh distress among farmers ahead of harvest.The weather shock came as both states recorded over 3000% excess rainfall in 24 hours. Between 8.30 am on March 31 and 8.30 am on April 1, Punjab received 3.9 mm rain against the normal 0.1 mm, or 3,835% excess rainfall, while Haryana recorded 3.2 mm against 0.1 mm, or 3,125% excess rainfall. Himachal Pradesh recorded 166% excess rainfall during the same period. The intense spell, accompanied by hailstorm activity and high-velocity winds, damaged wheat and mustard in several districts. In Punjab, the worst-hit areas included villages in Muktsar, Fazilka, Bathinda, Mansa and Barnala, while in Haryana, crop damage was reported from Rohtak, Bhiwani, Rewari, Hisar and Mahendragarh.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said Faridkot recorded gusty winds of 61 kmph, the highest across the affected region, followed by Ferozepur (59 kmph) and Mohali (54 kmph). Farmers said the weather had struck at the worst possible time, with wheat nearly ready for harvest. “We are facing such losses season after season, but only seldom get adequate compensation,” farmers from Lambi block in Muktsar said. In Haryana, Bhiwani Congress rural district president Anirudh Chaudhary demanded a special girdawari and compensation of Rs 1 lakh per acre for affected farmers. Punjab agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian and other leaders visited affected villages and assured support.The damage has also revived debate over a dedicated crop insurance scheme for Punjab, which had declined to adopt the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).BoxRain shock3,835% excess rainfall in Punjab in 24 hours, with state getting 3.9mm rain from Mar 31 to Apr 1 against normal of 0.1 mm3,125% excess rainfall in Haryana in 24 hours, with state getting 3.2mm rain against normal of 0.1 mm166% excess rainfall in Himachal Pradesh in 24 hours, with state getting 2.7 mm rain against normal of 1mmHighest wind speedsFaridkot | 61 kmphFerozepur | 59 kmphMohali | 54 kmphPanchkula | 52 kmphSangrur | 46 kmphKarnal | 44 kmph MSID:: 129952738 413 |
