SIALKOT, Oct 15: Paddy and other seasonal crops on more than 29,000 acres in Sialkot and Narowal districts were badly affected by Wednesday’s heavy rain. Sialkot Agriculture Department officials confirmed the rain had hit paddy and other crops on more than 29,000 acres in both districts.

Sialkot District Coordination Officer Atta Muhammad Khan said Agriculture Department’s teams were assessing the loss caused by the rain. Earlier, crops in Sialkot district were affected by water shortage after closure of Marala Ravi Link Canal for a month. The canal was closed after India cut Chenab water.

Sialkot and Narowal districts and catchments in Indian-held Kashmir witnessed heavy rain and2 hailstorm on Wednesday and Tuesday night. In some areas rain continued throughout Wednesday.

Farmers’ representatives Mirza Ehsan Baig and Syed Iqbal Shah said paddy growers were facing severe financial crisis and urged the government to announce compensation for them.

On the other hand, Met Office has forecast more rains for Sialkot and Narowal districts and catchments in Indian-held Kashmir in the next 24 hours. — Correspondent