Heatwave hijacked: Freak weather conditions in Punjab impact agriculture

Almost a fortnight ago, Jasbir Singh, a farmer from Nalas village in Rajpura, was standing in his fields when a thick cloud cover suddenly turned into a fierce hailstorm. He barely managed to reach a nearby shelter. Minutes later, the sun was shining brightly. What’s remarkable is that except for Nalas and a few nearby villages, the entire Patiala district experienced no rain or clouds.

Remember, we are in June, right in the heart of Punjab’s scorching summer, where the northern Indo-Gangetic plain typically bakes under intense heat, with temperatures soaring as high as 45 degrees Celsius in the shade.

This unusual weather pattern is not an isolated incident. Punjab has been witnessing extreme weather conditions, with four severe thunderstorms, freak rain spells, and cool mornings and nights that feel like autumn. The weather has been changing rapidly, sometimes within the same 24 hours, dropping from 40 to 23 degrees Celsius and back again.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Punjab received 35.5 mm of rainfall from May 1 to 25, a surplus of 135 per cent compared to the long-period average of 14.3 mm. This unusual weather pattern has been noticeable throughout the year. In January, Punjab experienced its warmest January in six years, with daytime temperatures higher than usual.

The May thunderstorms have caused significant damage, uprooting over 500 trees across many districts and affecting the state’s already diminishing green cover. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited has suffered losses of Rs 20 crore due to high-velocity winds. Even solar panels installed on rooftops were damaged or blown away.

Thunderstorms are expected in the first week of June, typically the hottest summer month. Notably, last summer experienced 12 heatwave days, whereas this year hasn’t seen any yet.

Experts warn that climate change is likely to impact crop productivity and agricultural patterns. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is working with farmers to understand the impact of climate change on crops. Research by scientists at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has highlighted the potential risks of rising temperatures on crops and forest plantations.

Kesar Singh Bhangoo, former professor of economics and ex-Dean, Punjabi University, Patiala, emphasises the need for in-depth studies to examine the impact of changing weather conditions. “Crop yield and productivity will undoubtedly suffer due to unexpected weather patterns like cloudbursts and hailstorms in May,” says Bhangoo. However, there is hope. ICAR is working with farmers to understand the impact of climate change on crop productivity.

Recent research by scientists at PAU has highlighted the potential risks of climate change on crops and forest plantations. Specifically, over 16,000 sq km across six districts in the Kandi belt, stretching from Ropar to Pathankot, are expected to be severely impacted by rising temperatures. Experts warn that agriculture, particularly wheat and paddy crops, will be adversely affected by climate change, leading to increased evaporation, heavy rainfall, and disruptions in agricultural patterns due to ozone concentration.