📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Des Blenkinsopp
Weather
Punjab issues storm alert as rain and wind threaten 3.4 million tonnes of rice in open markets
✍️ Amar Ujala · Punjab
🗓 30 Oct 2026, 08:16 AM
👁 13
A weather alert has been issued for Punjab as heavy rain and strong winds lower temperatures, endangering about 3.4 million metric tonnes of rice stored openly in market yards.
The Punjab Meteorological Department issued an alert today warning of heavy rain and gusty winds across the state. Forecasts indicate a noticeable drop in temperature, which could exacerbate moisture-related damage to crops and stored produce.
Market officials reported that roughly 34 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, left uncovered in open market yards, are now vulnerable to the wet conditions. The exposure raises concerns about spoilage, loss of quality and potential financial setbacks for farmers and traders.
State agricultural authorities have advised market owners to cover the grain stacks with tarpaulins or relocate them to sheltered storage until the weather stabilises. They also urged farmers to monitor field conditions closely to mitigate any further impact on the upcoming harvest.
The alert remains in effect for the next 24 hours, and updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
Market officials reported that roughly 34 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, left uncovered in open market yards, are now vulnerable to the wet conditions. The exposure raises concerns about spoilage, loss of quality and potential financial setbacks for farmers and traders.
State agricultural authorities have advised market owners to cover the grain stacks with tarpaulins or relocate them to sheltered storage until the weather stabilises. They also urged farmers to monitor field conditions closely to mitigate any further impact on the upcoming harvest.
The alert remains in effect for the next 24 hours, and updates will be provided as the situation evolves.