Hisar: Widespread rains in the district during the past 24 hours have brought cheer to farmers. The area was lashed by sharp showers twice late last evening. This was followed by widespread persistent rain this evening. According to the Met office, Hisar and its surrounding areas had 38.4 mm rain in two spells of half an hour each last evening. Hisar normally has 41 mm of rain during August. Significantly, the area has had just 2.7 mm of rain this season till yesterday. Farm experts of Haryana Agricultural University said the rains were extremely beneficial for standing crops. The immediate benefit was that animals would get adequate green fodder. The late sown crops of bajra, moong and guar would get a good boost with this rain. The dry ponds in the village would get filled. They added that paddy crop which had not yet wilted due to deficient rains could be saved. Standing cotton crops would be benefited and farmers could expect a good yield. The experts said the fears of a drought had vanished to a large extent.