The Punjab government will conduct a comprehensive survey to assess the extent of damage in wheat and other crops due to heavy rains in the region, a minister said today.

"Agriculture department will soon conduct a comprehensive survey to assess the extent of damage caused to wheat and other crops because of rains," Punjab Agriculture Minister Tota Singh said.

Noting that the state government was fully committed to protect the interests of farmers against natural calamities, he said the adequate compensation as per government's norms would be given to the affected farmers after completion of the survey.

"The state government is committed to extend all support to the farmers, whose standing crops have been damaged due to the inclement weather, following a spell of widespread rains across the state," he said.

"Rain at this stage is not desirable as the crop is near maturity and current weather condition could severely affect crop yield", said the minister.

About 10-20 per cent of timely sown wheat crop, which has got flattened, could face yield loss, experts had said yesterday.

Besides wheat and other Rabi (winter) crops, including vegetables and fruits have also been affected largely in the state.

The minister also directed the Director Agriculture Punjab to review the damage of crops in the state due to untimely rains.

He also directed the field staff of the department to regularly monitor the crops and immediately inform any attack of yellow rust, so that necessary treatment can be done to the affected crop immediately.

Source - http://www.business-standard.com/