Chandigarh, Oct. 7 -- Punjab's agricultural sector is grappling with an unfolding crisis as the state faces continuous heavy rainfall, which is delaying the maturing and harvesting of the paddy crop. Experts warn that these weather disturbances will not only disrupt the timely arrival of paddy in the mandis (grain markets) but also pose a serious threat to the sowing of the upcoming wheat crop.

The persistent rains have shattered mature grains and caused lodging of plant shoots, further impeding harvest progress. According to the Punjab agriculture department, these delays in the paddy harvest are set to disrupt procurement operations, with the crop failing to reach mandis on time for state agencies to lift the produce.

"The maturing an...