Patiala, Oct. 8 -- After two consecutive days of rainfall causing significant damage to the paddy crop in Punjab, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a dry spell across the state for the rest of the week. The development is being seen as a much-needed reprieve for the farmers who are harvesting their crop. The downpour, triggered by a strong western disturbance, drenched large parts of Punjab on Monday and Tuesday.

According to IMD's data, Patiala recorded the highest rainfall in the state with 50 mm over the past 24 hours, followed by Mohali's 48 mm and Ludhiana's 34 mm. The untimely rain inundated fields in several districts, leaving farmers worried about the impact on grain quality and overall yield. However, weath...