Unseasonal rains lash UP, worries farmers

Lucknow, Apr 5 (UNI) Farmers across Uttar Pradesh were posed with problems as large scale damage was reported to the rabi crops, following the unseasonal rainfall which lashed most parts of the state today.

While the unseasonal showers added to the grievances of the farmers, scarce production this year might also hike inflation.

Although, the actual loss to the rabi crops was being ascertained, it was believed rainfall ruined crops like wheat, gram and pulses worth several crores of rupees.

The unwelcomed showers accompanied by squall also caused a large scale damage to the 'king of fruits' mangoes.

According to the weather department, slight to heavy rainfall occurred at Mathura, Lucknow, Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Moradabad, Bareilly, Kanpur and Varanasi. Some places even received hailstorm.

The unseasonal downfall, which also brought a coolness in the air and plummeted temperature to several degrees, was induced by a fresh Western disturbance over Rajasthan.

So far, lightning had killed over seven people in Sitapur, Chandauli and Mirzapur.

The weatherman forcecast mild overnight showers at some places.

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