Cold wave persists in region; no major damage to vegetable crops

Cold wave continued to grip the state, bringing bone-chilling morning and leaving residents shivering despite a slight rise in maximum temperatures. A slight dip in daytime temperature provided some relief, but biting cold persisted throughout the day.

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Agricultural experts indicated that the cold wave had not yet caused major damage to vegetable crops, such as tomatoes, potatoes, mustard, and other vegetables, but they advised farmers to take precautionary measures to ensure crop safety. The current cold conditions, however, are favourable for the wheat crop.

As per the data of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in the region remains near normal, with only a slight dip of 0.1°C in the average minimum temperature. Balasamand in Hisar recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 2.3°C, while the temperatures in other districts were Ambala (8.4°C), Hisar (5.8°C), Karnal (7.8°C), Mahendragarh (3.8°C), Rohtak (8.2°C), Gurugram (6.2°C), Jind (7.5°C), Sirsa (5.7°C) and Yamunanagar (9.5°C).

The data further said the maximum temperature was below normal by 4.5°C across the state and the highest maximum temperature of 17.3°C was recorded in Faridabad. However, there is a rise in the maximum temperature of 1.9°C in comparison to Wednesday. Ambala recorded 13.3°C, Hisar (15°C), Karnal (13°C), Narnaul (14.6°C), Rohtak (14.4°C), Sirsa (16.8°C), Gurugram (14°C), Jind (14°C), Kurukshetra (13.7°C), Panipat (14°C) and Sonepat (14.5°C).

Dr Madan Lal, District Horticulture Officer, advised the farmers to take precautions to protect their vegetable crops from extreme cold and frost. “There is no major adverse effect of the cold wave on vegetable crops, but the farmers should adopt measures, like using low tunnels to cover crops and using drip/sprinkler or light irrigation to maintain soil moisture,” he said.

The government provided subsidies on low tunnel technology as well as on micro irrigation, and the farmers could avail it after meeting the criteria, he added.

Highlighting the positive aspect of the cold wave, Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture, said, “The cold wave is beneficial for wheat crops and will contribute to better yield.”

Dr Virender Lather, former Principal Scientist, IARI, said, “Light irrigation is required to maintain moisture and safeguard crops during this period.”