The Punjab agriculture department's recent crop-cutting experiments indicate an average decline of 2 quintals per acre in wheat yield compared to the previous year, leading to an estimated loss of over ₹5,000 per acre for farmers. This season, wheat was cultivated across 86 lakh acres, with a total yield expected to be 182 lakh tonnes, down from 188 lakh tonnes last year. The decline is attributed to unseasonal rains and hailstorms that occurred during the crucial maturation phase of the crop. Currently, the state government has opened procurement in 1,872 mandis, aiming to purchase 122 lakh tonnes of wheat. So far, nearly 50 lakh tonnes have been received for procurement, with farmers receiving ₹2,585 per quintal for their produce. Pathankot district has reported the lowest yield at 16 quintals per acre, while other districts like Hoshiarpur and Mohali reported yields of 18 and 18.5 quintals respectively. The state is also assessing the damage caused by the weather, with initial reports indicating significant crop loss across 1.25 lakh acres. The Centre has announced relaxed procurement norms to help farmers cope with the losses.