Farmers worried

Manmeet Singh Gill

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 21

Frequent showers in the area for the last many days have left the wheat growers worried. It has delayed the plantation of vegetables. The area witnessed heavy rain last night as a result of which most of the fields are waterlogged.

Farmers rued that waterlogging in wheat fields was not good at this stage as the crop has started turning yellowish. “Even the early sown wheat is in pollination stage and the rain has damaged the pollen,” said Advocate Kuljit Singh from Malawali village.

Farmers said the last night’s rainfall was the heaviest this season so far. They complained that it was delaying planting of vegetables as frequent rains didn’t allow fields to dry. “Those who planted vegetables before the rain too have suffered losses as excessive irrigation due to showers is not conducive for germination,” said Rawel Singh of Thatha village.

Farmers stated that with more rain predicted next week, the fields will not be ready for plantation of vegetables for another fortnight.

Meanwhile, agriculture officials said waterlogging was there in some of the low-lying areas. Chief Agriculture Officer Dalbir Singh Chhina said, “So far, the rain has been good for the wheat crop. Vegetable plantation is getting delayed. Farmers are advised to drain out water from their fields. It will help in drying the soil. Field officers are keeping an eye and guiding farmers accordingly.”