A wave of frustration is spreading across Punjab as farmers fight to recover from severe crop losses. The challenges facing Punjab’s paddy farmers are growing every day, with many losing income due to discolored and damaged paddy. From Amritsar to Doaba, farmers who waited months for their harvest are now disappointed. Discolored grains have made it difficult to sell their produce at the minimum support price (MSP). The government allows only 5% discoloration, but many farmers have crossed that limit. Gurjit Singh, a farmer from Kapurthala, said, “By harvest time, my crop was already discolored.” High moisture levels have made the situation even worse.

The crisis is deepening fast. The state’s food and civil supplies department expects total paddy arrivals to reach just 150 lakh tonnes, the lowest in nine years and 20% below expectations. Farmers had planted crops on 32.49 lakh hectares, but floods and heavy rains in August and September caused massive losses. Continuous bad weather delayed harvesting and raised grain moisture. Despite repeated requests, the Centre refused to relax the grain color standards. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian called this season “a double blow” for farmers, weather damage and slow procurement.

Northern districts like Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Tarn Taran suffered the worst impact. Waterlogged fields destroyed large parts of their harvest. Floods damaged over 5 lakh acres of farmland, while 2.97 lakh acres saw total crop loss. Many farmers can’t sell their produce because buyers reject discolored or damp grains at mandis. Even the recovered grains are being turned away, worsening the crisis.

In Ludhiana, procurement has slowed sharply. The district received around 8 lakh tonnes of paddy this season, far less than the 16.5 lakh tonnes collected last year. On one recent day, Mandis got only 48,000 tonnes. Farmers have sold 7.6 lakh tonnes so far, and 6.8 lakh tonnes have been lifted from markets. Jaspal Singh from Rania village shared, “Due to moisture, we had to add 5 to 10 extra kilos per 37.5 kg bag.” Fortunately, as the weather improved, moisture levels dropped to 17%, giving farmers some relief.

Farmers in the Malwa region are facing similar issues. Yields of non-basmati rice have dropped between 5% and 15%. Still, grain quality has improved slightly, with acceptable moisture levels. Fazilka stands out as a bright spot, completing about 25% of its paddy harvest so far. Chief Agriculture Officer Harpreet Pal Kaur said her team is still conducting crop-cutting studies because farmers have not yet harvested nearly 75% of the fields.

In Mansa, Chief Agriculture Officer Harvinder Sidhu explained that untimely rain hit crops during the flowering stage. Early-planted fields suffered the most, while late-sown ones escaped much of the damage. Farmers like Resham Singh from Faridkot reported a 10% drop in production. In Bathinda, mandi officials said procurement is running smoothly but confirmed that overall losses remain high. Farmers and traders have already sold about 5 lakh tonnes out of the 7 lakh tonnes received.

Mandi teams in Muktsar assured farmers that procurement will continue until November 15. They expect new arrivals to end next week. In Doaba, harvesting is almost complete. Farmers report losses of 6 to 8 quintals per acre, bringing average yields down to 26 to 28 quintals, much lower than the usual 32 to 34 quintals. Manjit Singh from Nagar village said, “Untimely rain and crop disease made this the hardest season in years.”

Experts say this year’s situation reveals serious gaps in flood control and farming techniques. They urge the state to adopt flood-resistant seeds, better irrigation systems, and more crop diversification. The agriculture department is pushing for soil testing, precision farming, and training sessions to help farmers reduce losses and improve yields.

Despite setbacks, Punjab’s farmers remain resilient. They hope for fairer government policies and better weather next season. Officials believe that strong cooperation among farmers, markets, and authorities can help stabilize the situation and prevent future crises.

In the end, the challenges facing Punjab’s paddy farmers show how extreme weather and weak crop management threaten agriculture. With quick policy action, technology, and farmer unity, Punjab can recover and safeguard its farming future.

A Gurgaon couple arrested for using Heroin in Zirakpur has drawn new attention to Punjab’s ongoing struggle against drug abuse. Police caught 27-year-old Aditya Pratap Mukherjee and his 28-year-old wife Bhavna in a hotel room where they had just smoked heroin. During the search, officers found used foil papers, a lighter, and cigarette packets, items often used for drug consumption.

Aditya works at a real estate company in Gurgaon, and Bhavna is pursuing her PhD in Bhiwani, Haryana. The couple came to Zirakpur to visit Aditya’s father, Prateek Mukherjee, who is undergoing treatment at JP Hospital. They decided to stay in a nearby hotel for the night, but their plans changed when the police carried out a surprise inspection.

During the check, officers discovered traces of heroin in their room. They immediately charged the couple under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for violating Sections 27, 61, and 85, which relate to drug use and possession. Police then took them to the Civil Hospital in Dera Bassi for a dope test. The test confirmed heroin use, strengthening the case against them.

Later, police produced the couple before a local court in Dera Bassi. The judge will decide whether they should go to Patiala Central Jail or to a rehabilitation center in Mohali. Officials said the court may consider rehabilitation if the couple qualifies for treatment instead of jail.

Police have also started investigating how the couple got the heroin. Officers are checking CCTV footage from the hotel and nearby shops to trace possible suppliers. “We are following the supply chain to find the heroin source,” said police officer Satinder Singh. This step is important to expose drug networks active in Zirakpur and Dera Bassi.

Zirakpur, located near Chandigarh, is growing quickly with new hotels and real estate projects. However, the area has also seen an increase in drug-related crimes. In response, police have expanded raids, boosted surveillance, and partnered with anti-narcotics teams to stop illegal drug flow into Punjab’s cities.

Punjab has battled drug addiction for more than a decade. Heroin remains one of the most used drugs, especially among youth. Government and community groups are running awareness campaigns to teach people about its dangers. Many schools and colleges now hold workshops to guide students away from drugs and toward healthy choices.

Experts believe that education and early prevention are the best solutions. They recommend more counseling centers and helplines to support people trying to quit. Meanwhile, police continue to tighten control over drug smuggling routes and suppliers. Stronger coordination between states is helping to block cross-border narcotics movement.

This case has sparked serious discussion about how drug addiction is spreading beyond Punjab’s borders. Authorities warn that addiction can affect anyone, students, professionals, or families. Therefore, greater awareness and rehabilitation programs are urgently needed to reduce this threat.

In conclusion, the Gurgaon couple arrested for using Heroin reminds society that drug abuse can destroy lives regardless of background. With firm law enforcement, education, and public cooperation, Punjab and nearby states can move toward a healthier, drug-free future.

Daily News

A shocking robbery at Vijay Jewellers in Jalandhar took place on a busy morning, leaving residents and shopkeepers alarmed. The jewellery shop, located in Bhargav Camp, one of Jalandhar’s busiest business areas, was targeted by two masked men. Jalandhar, known for its strong jewellery trade and booming local economy, has recently faced growing safety concerns due to increasing urban crimes.

The robbery occurred around 10:49 am. CCTV footage from the shop revealed that two robbers entered quickly and began their attack. One of them carried a sword, which he used to smash glass display counters, while the other pointed a pistol at the shop owner. Within just three minutes, they grabbed cash and ornaments from the showcases and demanded more money from the safe. Fearing for his life, the shop owner handed over all the cash he had.

According to early reports, the robbers stole about ₹2 lakh in cash, along with jewellery worth several lakhs. After looting the shop, they escaped on a motorcycle before anyone could stop them. Witnesses said the entire act was well-planned and executed in minutes, showing that the culprits were likely experienced criminals.

Soon after the robbery, Jalandhar police reached the scene and began collecting clues. They reviewed high-definition CCTV footage from both inside the shop and nearby streets. Police teams are using facial recognition software and checking routes where the suspects might have fled. Authorities believe the robbers may have studied the area before the incident.

The police have also deployed special investigation units to track down the suspects. Meanwhile, nearby shopkeepers are increasing their security by adding alarms, metal shutters, and more cameras. This quick action shows the rising awareness among business owners about the importance of strong security systems.

Over the years, Punjab has seen an increase in robbery and theft incidents, especially in commercial hubs. Many shop owners have started installing smart surveillance systems with motion sensors and remote monitoring. These tools help both prevent crime and support investigations. Experts say that better lighting and community watch programs can also help reduce such incidents.

This robbery has deeply affected local traders, who are now demanding stronger police patrolling in busy markets. Residents are being urged to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and help authorities by sharing any information that could aid the case. The police have assured the public that they will arrest the culprits soon.

As investigations move forward, people in Jalandhar are hoping for a quick resolution and stricter safety rules for business districts. The event serves as a reminder that crime prevention requires cooperation between citizens and law enforcement. Together, they can make Jalandhar a safer city for everyone.

In the end, the robbery at Vijay Jewellers in Jalandhar shows the urgent need for better vigilance, advanced security, and community unity to protect both lives and livelihoods.

Daily News