Fog brings cheer to wheat farmers in Haryana

Haryana is witnessing a dip in temperatures, with the average minimum falling by 1.2°C. Despite this, it remains 1.7°C above the normal. The state recorded its lowest temperature of 9.1°C in Hisar.

Thick fog, which has reduced visibility and caused inconvenience to motorists, has proved to be a boon for wheat farmers, as these conditions are highly conducive to wheat cultivation. IMD experts predict that foggy conditions will persist in the coming days.

Moisture helps in germination

The foggy weather and chill are ideal for wheat growth. If these conditions prevail till the end of January, we can expect a good crop this season as well. The moisture in the soil due to dew ensures proper germination of seeds

Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Karnal

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Wheat is cultivated on nearly 4.72 lakh acres in Karnal district, where around 85 per cent of the sowing has already been completed by farmers.

Agricultural experts said the dip in temperature, coupled with dew, is proving beneficial for wheat cultivation. “Wheat sowing is ongoing across the state. The foggy weather and chill are ideal for wheat growth. If these conditions prevail till the end of January, we can expect a good crop this season as well. The moisture in the soil due to dew ensures proper germination of seeds,” said Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA), Karnal.

He further said the current climatic conditions would support achieving the country's wheat production target, with Haryana and Punjab being major contributors.

Farmers are sowing wheat varieties such as DBW 187, DBW 222, DBW 303, DBW 327, DBW 332, DBW 370, DBW 371, DBW 372, and DBW 316, along with barley seeds of the DWRB 137 variety. Farmers also expressed optimism about achieving a good yield.

“Fog and cold weather conditions are crucial at the sowing stage, and we have been experiencing favourable conditions for the past few days. This will help ensure a good yield,” said Jitender Kumar, a farmer.

Ravinder Kumar, another farmer, said, “The sowing of wheat is going on, and the present climatic conditions are beneficial for its growth. If the chill continues, we are hopeful of a bumper yield.”

As per a scientist, last year, the country recorded wheat production of 113.29 million tonnes. This year, the Union government has set a higher target of 115 million tonnes.