Karnal, Sept. 18 -- After relentless rain and waterlogging in several areas of paddy growing region in the state, the early estimates to the agriculture department suggest that there has been a decline in paddy yield this kharif season.

The IMD data shows that so far Haryana has received 566.6 mm rain this monsoon season (from June 1), which is 38% more than the normal rainfall.

Heavy rainfall led to waterlogging in the fields and swollen rivers like Yamuna, Ghaggar, Markanada, Tangri and others added to the woes of the peasants.

Officials of the agriculture department said that though excess rainfall is beneficial for the paddy crop, if waterlogging persists for several days, it may lead to damage to the stem and impact the flowering ...