Rain brings cheer on worried farmers’ faces

The recent rain has given the much-needed relief to famers as February was getting warmer and there had been almost no rain throughout the month. The temperature this year has remained high as compared to last year and rainfall has been below normal. This has made farmers worried as it can have an adverse effect on wheat crop, which is in the flowering and grain filling stage.

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Pavneet Kaur Kingra, head of the Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, Punjab Agricultural University, said that Ludhiana received 7mm rainfall, which was not too much, but it would prove beneficial for the crops as it would help in adding moisture to the land.

“After the rainfall, there will be no immediate need to irrigate the crops as the rain has done its job. This rain will prove beneficial for the crop. The weather will remain clear for the next 4-5 days and after that there is a possibility of some rain, but as of now the weather will be clear,” said Kingra.

Gurmail Singh, a farmer from Samrala, said that this rain was beneficial for the crops, but he feared that if it led to sudden rise in temperature, then it could become a cause of concern because it can lead to shrinkage of the wheat grain. This may further result in less yield of low quality, which is likely to fetch low prices,” he said.

“In addition, crops like mustard and chickpea may also experience early maturity. Horticultural crops like apple and other temperate stone fruits may experience premature bud break and early flowering due to warm temperatures, resulting in poor fruit setting and quality, which may ultimately reflect in poor yield,” he said

“Rain has finished the long dry spell and helped in irrigating the crops. It will prove a boon for various crops, especially wheat. Now, we pray to God that the temperature does not rise suddenly. This winter season was of very short duration and hope summer does not arrive with a bang, bringing high temperature, which can impact the crops,” said Balwinder Singh, another farmer from Begowal village.