Rain and hailstorms lashed several parts of North India including Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana over the weekend and early on Monday morning. The weather in northern and eastern India since last Friday, has flattened wheat, mustard and coriander crops in the states.
Director of India Meteorological Department (IMD) BP Yadav said that while crops have been affected, full damage cannot be quantified as of now. "Rains are expected to halt for two to three days in the states of Punjab and Haryana, but will resume post March 17," he said.
Yadav also added that there are worries on the eastern side of the country.
Meanwhile, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has given adjournment motion in Lok Sabha on crop damage issue due to hailstorm.
Farm experts have also warned of attack of fungal disease stripe rust or yellow rust on wheat crop because of conducive weather conditions and advised farmers to monitor the crop regularly to prevent any damage from disease.
Punjab and Haryana, two major foodgrain growing states, sown wheat crop at 35 lakh hectares and 25 lakh hectares respectively during Rabi season 2015-16. Both states are major contributors of wheat to the central pool. Wheat harvesting starts in April month in Punjab and Haryana.
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