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 but also pose a serious threat to the sowing of the upcoming wheat crop. The persistent rains have shattered mature grains and caused lodging, further impeding harvesting. According to the Punjab agriculture department, these delays in the harvest are set to disrupt procurement operations. "The maturing and harvest of the paddy crop will be delayed, which will adversely impact the arrival of the crop in the mandis, as well as the procurement process," said a senior official in the department. Nearly 50 lakh tonnes of paddy have been procured so far while the target is 175 lakh tonnes. The procurement started on September 15 and ends on November 15. It is being apprehended that delayed harvest might affect wheat sowing and the state may miss out the ideal window which is October 15 to November 15. "We are yet to get reports about the loss to the crop due to the ongoing weather disturbances. The early sown varieties have been harvested and Patiala and SAS Nagar districts are leading with up to 10% crop harvest and other districts with nearly 6%," said director agriculture, Punjab, Jaswant Singh. According to reports, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Bathinda witnessed heavy downpour. The India meteorology department has predicted strong winds and heavy rain in the current week and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) that manages Bhakra and Pong Dams over rivers Sutlej and Beas has sounded alert in the downstream areas. Punjab Agricultural University vice-chancellor SS Gosal said that the farmers would face fall in yield by 4 to 5 quintal per acre. According to Dr Gosal, due to the extended season of rainfall, the wheat sowing might get delayed. He said that the ideal time for wheat sowing is October 15 to November 15, and in the given circumstances the state cannot wind up paddy harvest by October 16. The delay in paddy harvest will also lead to a high number of farm fires with farmers having short window for wheat sowing. Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will hold a meeting with the state official on steps for controlling farm fires....