The light showers that hit Karnal and adjoining district intermittently since Wednesday night have left wheat growers in the region worried about their crops.

Farmers, who are already facing damages to their standing crops due to unseasonal rains this season, fear further losses due to delayed harvesting.

According to official information, only 5% of the wheat has been harvested in Karnal while in Kurukshetra around 10% wheat has been harvested.

"This year, the harvesting has been being delayed in an unprecedented manner. Last year, nearly 50% wheat had been harvested by Baisakhi but the unseasonal rains have played a spoilsport," said Pradeep Meel, deputy director, agriculture, Karnal, on Thursday.

Meel advised farmers against panic harvesting. "Farmers should wait till the weather is clear. It is very important that grain gets enough time to dry otherwise farmers may face problem in the mandis if the produce retains high moisture content," he said.

Source - http://www.hindustantimes.com/