Chandigarh, Sept. 22 -- The month-long paddy procurement operations will begin in Haryana from Monday even as the state gears up to grapple with fresh challenges like crop damage from incessant rains and the looming threat of farm fires.

As per official data, about 5 lakh farmers from over 6,300 villages have registered crop damage across over 29 lakh acre land via the e-Kshatipurti portal. During this kharif season, over 35 lakh acre area was estimated to be under paddy cultivation. On an average, Haryana produces about 68 lakh metric tonne (LMT) paddy, including around 25 LMT basmati. But the officials say that this year the paddy production has suffered a setback due to rains and water logging with farmers fearing a sharp dip in paddy...