Rain brings down max temperature by 7.5°C in state

The rain that lashed the region on Friday brought down the temperature, giving much-needed relief from unseasonal warmth. In some parts, the state has recorded hailstorm. The rain brought down the maximum temperature by 7.5°C compared to Thursday. However, it is below normal by 4.8°C in the state. The maximum temperature in the state is 16°C recorded at Sirsa.

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Scientists from the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) said the rainfall was a boon for wheat crop as it ensured adequate moisture for healthy growth. However, they warned of yellow rust in the crop and issued an advisory. They urged farmers to remain vigilant, saying that the current weather conditions were conducive to the outbreak of yellow rust, a fungal disease that could reduce yield. They said the rainfall had saved one round of irrigation.

“The rainfall, at this stage, was needed for early and late-sowing varieties. The timely sown wheat varieties, planted in the first week of November or have crossed 50 days, will not require second irrigation after the rainfall. Similarly, late-sown varieties have met the first irrigation requirement,” said Dr Ratan Tiwari, Director of IIWBR.

He, however, cautioned that the current climatic conditions were highly conducive to the occurrence of yellow rust, and emphasised vigilance, particularly among farmers using wheat varieties released over a decade ago. He said last year saw scattered yellow rust cases, but farmer had taken proactive measures, mitigating the impact.

“Farmers are advised to consult local agricultural institutions or Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for guidance, ensuring that any symptoms of yellowing are accurately diagnosed, as yellowing of leaves is not always yellow rust. Regular monitoring and timely intervention remain crucial to safeguarding wheat crop,” he said.

He also appealed to the farmers not to spray any chemical until the appearance of symptoms and confirmation of the disease. He also advised them to avoid excessive nitrogen application, particularly during foggy or cloudy conditions.

Tiwari said, as of December 16, around 293 lakh hectares had been sown with wheat, compared to 284 lakh hectares during the same period last year. The nation aimed to achieve a wheat production target of 115 million tonnes this year, surpassing last year’s production of 113.29 million tonnes.

The farmers in very late-sowing regions, such as sugarcane and cotton belts, were advised to opt for varieties like HD-3271, HI-1621, and WR-544, if planting after December 25.