Ambala, October 11 (R. Singh):- Thick, dark clouds suddenly covered the sky this morning, plunging the day into darkness. Shopkeepers in the markets switched on their lights. Heavy rain made it difficult for people to step out of their homes. The clouds continued to rumble and pour until evening, causing a considerable drop in temperature and an increase in cold.
The heavy rain dashed farmers’ hopes at the Mohra Grain Market in Ambala Cantonment. The market administration’s tall claims about making proper arrangements were exposed when paddy lying in the open got soaked in rainwater. Farmers struggled to protect their produce from the sudden downpour. Some tried to cover the paddy with tarpaulins, while others rushed to secure their sacks in the limited space available under sheds. Despite their efforts, most of the farmers’ paddy remained in the open, and the heaps were completely drenched.
Farmers said that their dry crop had now been soaked by rainwater. Once the weather clears, they will have to struggle once again to dry the paddy. The moisture content in the crop will also increase due to the rain, potentially leading to losses and difficulties during government procurement. The farmers have demanded that the market administration make adequate arrangements to protect their produce.
