A dip in temperature following rainfall in the country’s key wheat-producing States of Punjab and Haryana will boost the wheat crop, easing concerns about the adverse impact of unusual warm weather on the crop, officials and experts told The Hindu on Saturday.
The showers during the past 24 hours have been widespread and ended the long dry spell in parts of Punjab and Haryana. A mercury dip is a good sign for the “temperature sensitive” wheat crop, they said.
“Rain has come at a good time easing out concerns regarding dip in productivity of the crop due to unusual warm weather in the past few days. It will benefit the crop immensely, and if the weather remains conducive in the coming days, we can expect a bumper production this year,” P.S. Rangi, an agriculture expert and Punjab State Farmers Commission adviser said.
A long dry spell, since October had raised concerns among experts and farmers about falling wheat yields in the both these States — which have sown the crop on nearly 35 lakh hectares and over 25 lakh hectares respectively during the ongoing rabi (winter) season.
“Punjab and Haryana are experiencing widespread rains due to fresh western disturbance. Minimum temperature has come down and in the next few days it is likely to fall further,” said Surinder Pal, director at the India Meteorological Department, Chandigarh.
‘It will curb pest attacks’
“These are welcome showers. It will not only boost the productivity of wheat but will also help in curbing disease such as yellow rust,” said Jasbir Singh Bains, director of Punjab agriculture department.
Wheat, the main rabi crop is sown between late October till December while the harvesting of the crop will start from April.
