LUCKNOW, Sept. 27 -- Incessant rain accompanied by strong winds over the past three days has dealt a double blow to farmers in Uttar Pradesh, extensively damaging standing Kharif crops while raising concerns over sowing delays in the upcoming Rabi season, as waterlogged fields may take time to become suitable for cultivation.

The downpour has particularly affected ready-to-harvest paddy, besides pulses, oilseeds and millets in several districts. Strong winds have flattened mature crops in fields while prolonged waterlogging has increased the risk of grain deterioration, rotting and sprouting.

Paddy is the principal Kharif crop in Uttar Pradesh, accounting for more than 60% of the state's total cultivated area. In 2025, the state led the...