Chandigarh, April 30 -- Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced the paddy cultivation schedule for the state, stating that sowing will commence on June 1 in a phased manner to help growers avoid moisture-related issues.

Addressing a press conference here, Mann said the state government has decided to start the paddy cultivation season from June 1 to ensure that farmers do not face difficulties in selling their crop due to high moisture content in October.

"The state has been divided into four zones for paddy transplantation through the traditional method and the government is making comprehensive arrangements for this phased rollout," he said before announcing the staggered schedule.

The CM said that transplantation in Zone...