India, March 20 -- Unseasonal rain accompanied by gusty winds and overcast skies on Friday triggered widespread concern among farmers across Uttar Pradesh, with standing and harvested Rabi crops - particularly wheat, mustard and potato - facing the risk of damage ahead of harvest.

Reports from several districts, including Meerut, Prayagraj and Varanasi and districts in Bundelkhand, indicated that intermittent showers and strong winds throughout the day disrupted harvesting activity and raised fears of yield and quality losses.

Wheat, which is in the final stage of ripening, has reportedly flattened in many fields due to winds, while mustard crops are at the risk of pod splitting and fungal infection due to excess moisture.

Uttar Prades...