A fresh spell of rainfall that lashed the region on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday has left farmers anxious, as standing crops were flattened in large areas across the state under the impact of showers.As per the data of the Mera Fasal Mera Byora, 69,70,819 acres have been registered on the portal by 12,66,752 farmers across the state. With the harvesting season underway, the sudden change in weather has sparked fears of crop damage both in the fields and at grain markets where produce has already been brought.However, with prompt efforts by authorities, labourers saved the wheat grains from getting soaked in grain markets, as they quickly covered them with plastic sheets.Farmers across the region expressed concern over the losses they may incur. “The wheat crop was almost ready for harvesting, but the rains have flattened it. If the weather does not improve, the yield will be badly affected,” said Surinder Kumar, a farmer.Another farmer Vijay Kapoor said he has started harvesting his crops, but the change of weather with rainfall forced him to stop the harvesting and wait till the weather condition gets normal. “I have taken four acres of grain at Karnal grain market, but it was not sold as the authorities cited high moisture content. Farmers should be given relaxation in moisture content by the government,” he added.He said rainfall has increased moisture content in grains, which may lead to the risk of spoilage.“The timing of the rain is unfortunate. We were expecting good returns, but now we are worried about recovery of even the input costs,” said Inderjeet Singh Goraya, national spokesperson of Akhil Bhartiya Kisan Congress.He demanded special girdawari to determine the loss and announcement of the special package. He also demanded the government to relax the norms of procurement which are time consuming.Meanwhile, scientists have issued advisories to help farmers minimize damage. Experts from the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) have urged cultivators to exercise caution.Dr. Ratan Tiwari, Director of IIWBR, said farmers should remain vigilant as the IMD has already sounded an orange alert. “Drain off excess water in case of stagnation. If waterlogging persists and wind velocity increases, it may induce lodging,” he explained.The advisory further cautioned farmers against harvesting for the next couple of days, as the moisture content in grains remains high. “Harvesting should be avoided until the weather clears up and moisture levels reduce. Flattened crops will take time to recover, but farmers must ensure excess water is drained from fields,” said Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA).