Hailstorm lashes Punjab, no impact on wheat crop: Expert

Tribune News Service

Patiala/Jalandhar, February 1

An agricultural expert from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has said hailstorms in various parts of the state would have minimal impact on the wheat crop. “However, the current weather conditions, especially strong winds and hailstorm, are unfavourable for fruit, posing a threat to horticulture crops,” he said.

Ludhiana gets 20mm rain

The industrial city of Ludhiana witnessed about 20 mm of rain today. Weather experts said rainfall was needed to break the prolonged dry spell. Besides, it would prove beneficial for crops and vegetables.

Pavneet Kaur Kingra, head, Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), said the present weather could cause fruit dropping — particularly kinnow and guava — which were on a maturity stage.

Meteorological experts said, “Another, relatively weaker, western disturbance is anticipated on Saturday, while clear weather is expected from February 4 onwards.”

While awaiting area-specific and field inspection reports, it was noted that hailstorm occurrences were reported in three districts, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, and Mohali. There are chances that the early-sown wheat crop in these areas may get damaged to some extent. Director of Agriculture Jaswant Singh emphasised that the wheat crop sown during November 1 to 15 or later, may not suffer damage as the it was still in the vegetative state.

Meanwhile, in Jalandhar, heavy rain and hail lashed all parts of the Doaba region early on Thursday morning.

It started to drizzle late on Wednesday evening and raining heavily around 6:30 am. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorm continued till around 9 am. Several school students and office-goers faced a lot of difficulty in commuting. The attendance in schools remained low. The footfall in government offices also remained less owing to inclement weather and a cold day.

The farmers in Sultanpur Lodhi rued that the hail this morning partially damaged vegetables in their fields.

Dr KK Gill, Principal Agrometeorologist, PAU, said the rain was awaited. It would bring down pollution levels and quality of soil would improve. He said after February 4, weather would be clear. The rain would be beneficial for crops, he said.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.

#Punjab Agricultural University PAU