Ludhiana, Oct. 11 -- The paddy arrival has picked up pace as 90,017 metric tonnes (MT) have reached the grain markets of the district. This is a sharp rise from around 56,251 metric tonnes recorded during the same period last year, officials said.

Officials attributed the surge in paddy arrival largely to the early sowing of short-duration paddy varieties, particularly in the rural pockets of Ludhiana East, including Machhiwara, Samrala and Jagraon.

Chief agriculture officer Gurdeep Singh said that this strategic shift in crop planning has been a prominent factor behind the early surge in arrivals. "Farmers here have traditionally focused on potato cultivation. Hence, to maintain a balanced farming cycle and make efficient use of their ...