Rain Soaks Paddy at Punjab Mandis: Bathinda, Fazilka, Ferozepur Hitਮੀਂਹ ਨਾਲ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀਆਂ ਮੰਡੀਆਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਝੋਨਾ ਭਿੱਜਿਆ: ਬਠਿੰਡਾ, ਫ਼ਾਜ਼ਿਲਕਾ, ਫ਼ਿਰੋਜ਼ਪੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ

Sunday morning rain, with hail in parts of the Majha belt, soaked paddy lying in the open at Punjab's grain markets on 11 October 2026, just a week into the procurement season. Reports from Bathinda, Fazilka and Ferozepur describe wet heaps, waterlogged yards and anxious farmers and commission agents. The India Meteorological Department had already forecast showers for Punjab from 10 to 12 October.

What happened at the mandis?

At the Bathinda grain market, rain dampened paddy lying in the open, the Tribune reported. The mandi has logged 795 metric tonnes of arrivals since procurement began on 5 October; 370 tonnes have been purchased, 425 tonnes remain unpurchased, and only 30 tonnes of the purchased crop has been lifted. Market Committee secretary Ravinder Singla said agents and the committee were providing tarpaulin sheets, and that more arrivals were expected, though rain could slow them.

Why are farmers worried?

Gurmail Singh, a farmer from Gulabgarh village, said he reached the mandi last Saturday and his crop was still lying there. "It was dry then, but now the produce is wet," he said. Some farmers also complained about poor lighting and delays in procurement. Rain in Mansa district caused waterlogging in some areas.

What about Fazilka and Ferozepur?

Amar Ujala reported that water filled the roads of the Fazilka grain market, leaving paddy heaps affected. Arhtiya association president Sanjeev Sachdeva Goldy said better drainage should have been arranged in advance. In Ferozepur's city grain market, continuous rain wet paddy despite tarpaulin covers, and farmers fear quality will suffer.

Hailstorm and crop damage

Babushahi reported that rain and hailstorm lashed many parts of Punjab, particularly the Majha area, and that paddy and other crops were likely to be damaged. The outlet said citizens had posted videos of hail in their areas. Damage figures have not been officially released.

What happens next?

Wet paddy carries higher moisture, which can hold up purchase until it dries and is re-tested. That may add to the pile-up of unlifted grain in mandis. Farmers have asked the government for firm arrangements to protect open-air crop.

Did it rain in Punjab on 11 October 2026?

Yes. Rain fell on Sunday morning in Bathinda, Mansa, Fazilka and Ferozepur, and hail was reported in parts of the Majha area.

How much paddy has reached Bathinda mandi?

795 metric tonnes have arrived since 5 October, of which 370 tonnes were purchased and 30 tonnes lifted, according to the Tribune.

Is more rain expected?

The weather centre had issued a yellow alert for heavy rain in Punjab from 10 to 12 October, with dust-laden winds and possible hail.