Western Disturbances Lower Risks to Indian Wheat Crop: IMD
Western disturbances have stabilized India’s wheat crop, with rain and snowfall reducing risks. Heat-resistant varieties cover 67% of the area, minimizing February’s warm-weather impact. IMD predicts normal to above-normal March temperatures, with La Niña weakening into ENSO neutral by April. The absence of extreme cold and fog further supports a strong wheat production outlook.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that recent western disturbances, bringing rain and snowfall, have reduced risks to the wheat crop in North-West and North India. Despite a warm February with deficient rainfall, experts confirm minimal impact on the crop, aided by heat-resistant wheat varieties covering 67% of the sown area. March is expected to bring normal to above-normal temperatures, though no major weather threats are foreseen. Additionally, La Niña conditions are weakening, with a transition to a neutral ENSO phase expected by April. The absence of extreme cold and fog this season has also contributed to stable crop conditions, alleviating concerns of a significant wheat yield decline.
Key Highlights
# IMD reports reduced wheat crop risks due to recent western disturbances.
# Heat-resistant wheat varieties cover 67% of the sown area.
# March temperatures are expected to be normal to above normal.
# La Niña conditions are weakening, transitioning to ENSO neutral by April.
# The absence of extreme cold and fog has supported stable crop growth.
India’s wheat crop prospects have improved as recent western disturbances have brought beneficial rain and snowfall to North and North-West India, mitigating earlier concerns of weather-related damage. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reassured that, despite February’s above-normal temperatures and deficient rainfall, the wheat crop remains largely unaffected. Experts attribute this resilience to the increased use of heat-resistant wheat varieties, which now cover 67% of the cultivated area.
Supporting these developments, IMD forecasts normal to above-normal temperatures in March across most of India. The ongoing western disturbance, along with another expected in early March, is likely to further support wheat growth. Although rainfall deficiency during January-February stood at 59%, it had minimal impact due to stable temperature trends.
La Niña conditions, generally favorable for monsoons, are weakening and are expected to transition to a neutral ENSO phase by April. The IMD ruled out major El Niño risks, indicating a stable climate outlook. Additionally, the absence of extreme cold waves and fog in northern regions has further aided wheat crop conditions.
These developments ease earlier concerns about wheat yields, providing relief to farmers and policymakers. With stable weather conditions expected in the coming weeks, India’s wheat production outlook remains strong, ensuring minimal disruption to supply.
Finally
IMD’s latest assessment signals stability in India’s wheat production, with favorable weather conditions reducing risks. The transition to ENSO neutral further supports a steady climate outlook for the upcoming months.
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Source : Investing.com
