The summer showers that have lashed the district since last week hit paddy procurement in the northern Kuttanad region of the district in Kerala. Farmers are now worried that the paddy might sprout if the fields remain submerged for a few more day. Adding to their concerns is the inordinate delay in sorting out the issues over procurement with rice mills. About 85 tonnes of paddy harvested from the Thuruthipadam polders in Peroor faces the prospects of a total loss due to a delay in procurement. Though harvest operations were complete in most locations, the delay in procurement is expected to affect the next cycle of cultivation as well.