Ludhiana, April 14 -- A team from the food public distribution department, New Delhi, will visit Ludhiana on Tuesday to inspect select grain markets and field pockets, as unseasonal rain has delayed harvesting and left the freshly cut wheat crop moisture-laden, slowing the district's procurement cycle at a crucial stage.

The visit comes as wheat arrivals in Ludhiana remain far below the normal pace despite procurement having commenced on April 1. Officials attribute the sluggish inflow to wet fields, delayed threshing operations and grain moisture levels exceeding procurement norms.

According to official data, the district has so far recorded only 0.44% wheat arrival, while Ludhiana West has seen just 0.19% inflow, reflecting the impact...