Temperature rises above normal in state

With the daytime temperature rising higher than normal by about 2°C to 5°C in various parts of the state, agriculture experts have issued an advisory to farmers to take measures to protect rabi crops, especially wheat. The average normal temperature should remain between 22°C to 23°C.

Highest max temperature of 30.9°C recorded at Hathnikund Barrage in Yamunanagar district

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Dr Om Prakash Bishnoi, wheat scientist from Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, said it took 90-95 days for the wheat earhead to emerge and 42-45 days for grain filling, but higher temperatures might shorten this period, potentially reducing grain quantity and yield.

He said an increase of temperature by 1% above normal could bring down the yield by 6-7%.

However, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said there had been a further increase of 3.6°C in average maximum temperature in the state, leading to concerns among farmers due to its impact on wheat crop.

Dr Bishnoi said to counteract the effects of higher temperatures, farmers were advised to spray 2 kg of potassium nitrate dissolved in 100 litres of water per acre. This helped the crop tolerate heat stress and supported grain development. Besides, timely irrigation at critical stages, zinc application, and white rust control measures should be followed to sustain yield potential. The farmers should stay updated with weather forecasts and adopt necessary precautions, he added.

Meanwhile, the highest maximum temperature of 30.9°C in the state was recorded at Hathnikund Barrage in Yamunanagar district. The average minimum temperature has increased by 0.6°C, though it remains near normal. The lowest minimum temperature of 7.3°C was recorded at Saragthal.

Dr Bishnoi said lower night-time temperature was a relief for the crops. "If the night-time temperature rises above 15°C, it may harm the crops," he said, adding that a meeting chaired by Research Director Dr Rajbir Garg was held to formulate crop advisory.

In the last week of January and the first week of February, two to three western disturbances occurred, but no rainfall was recorded, which decreased the humidity in the air, leading to a rise in temperature.

If snowfall occurred in hilly regions, night-time temperatures would remain low. Rainfall in the state could also help in reducing the temperature, said experts.