Farmers fear damage to wheat crop as rains continue in Punjab, Haryana

Moderate to heavy rains continued to lash several places in Punjab and Haryana on Saturday leing to a sharp dip in maximum temperatures, meteorological department said.

Widespre rains in two states have triggered fear among farmers about dam to wheat crop.

Chandigarh, common capital of two states, also received heavy rains for second day on Saturday.

maximum temperature dropped sharply after rains. It hovered between 17-20 degrees Celsius at most places, 3 to 8 tches below rmal range.

Amid reports that high-velocity winds and heavy rains accompanied by hailstorm h caused dam to standing crops in some parts of state, Punjab government h on Friday ordered a special 'girdawari' for crop loss assessment.

wheat crop is harvested in mid-April.

Dam to crops was also reported from few parts of neighbouring Haryana.