Heavy rain floods Fazilka mandi, paddy stocks submerged in Punjab

Heavy rain swept across parts of Punjab on Tuesday, turning the ground at Fazilka's main agricultural market into a shallow lake. Reports from market officials indicate that water levels reached up to the knees of workers, submerging the open yards where paddy grains are stored.

The sudden inundation affected several tonnes of paddy that had been piled for sale, with the grain becoming damp and vulnerable to spoilage. Traders at the Fazilka mandi said that the waterlogged conditions halted loading and unloading operations, disrupting the day's trading schedule.

Farmers, already anxious about the timing of the monsoon, expressed worry that the soaked crop could suffer quality loss, potentially impacting their earnings. Local agricultural officers have been dispatched to assess the damage and advise on drying and storage measures to mitigate further losses.