Downpour provides respite but paralyses wheat harvest

Lucknow, Apr 17 (UNI) Heavy rains coupled with thunder-storm this evening gave some respite to the state reeling under intense heat, but has struck a body blow to wheat farmers, by paralysing the harvest of standing staple crop in Uttar Pradesh.

State Meteorological Director R K Verma told UNI here that heavy rains caused by western disturbances lashed all parts of the state this evening. More rains accompanied with thunderstorm are likely to occur across the state and parts of neighbouring Uttaranchal during the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, a report from Kanpur said thunderstorm coupled with widespread rains have paralysed harvesting of Rabi crops in the entire division.

Scientists at the Chandra Shekhar Azad Agriculture and Technology University said while rains provided respite from scorching heat to denizens, they have paralysed wheat harvesting, at least 40 per cent of which was still pending.

UNI TEAM ARS AK RS1938