VARANASI, Oct. 31 -- Unseasonal rains have left farmers anxious across Eastern Uttar Pradesh districts, including Varanasi, Ghazipur, Sonbhadra and Bhadohi.

According to the meteorological department, the Varanasi region and its adjoining areas recorded 40mm of rainfall throughout Friday.

Prof Nikhil Kumar Singh, from the department of agronomy at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, BHU, warned that the downpour is harmful to paddy crops currently ready for harvest. "It will moisten the grains, causing them to weaken," he stated. However, he noted that the moisture could be beneficial for upcoming sowing cycles, as farmers prepare to plant wheat, peas and mustard.

Upendra Nath Mishra, a farmer from Sidhauna village in Ghazipur, exp...