Ludhiana-Punjab: Agriculture department expects 12 lakh tonne wheat yield as harvest nears
Ludhiana wheat harvesting is set to begin within a week, with output estimated at 12 lakh tonnes. India Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert, raising concerns over crop damage, as strong winds and rain could impact yield and grain quality.
Wheat harvesting in the district is expected to begin within a week, with the agriculture department projecting an output of around 12 lakh tonnes this season.
Chief agriculture officer Gurdeep Singh said the crop is almost ripe and harvesting is likely to start around Vaisakhi, subject to weather conditions.
This rabi season, wheat has been sown across 2.38 lakh hectares in the district. Officials said while the crop is largely ready, some pockets are still slightly green. “If the weather remains clear, harvesting should begin within a week,” Singh said.
The Mandi Board has made arrangements across 108 mandis for procurement. Officials said about 75 per cent of the produce is expected to reach mandis, while the remaining 25 per cent is retained by farmers for personal consumption.
District mandi officer Gurmatpal Singh said cleaning and preparatory work in mandis has been completed to ensure smooth procurement by agencies, including Markfed, FCI, Pungrain, Punsup and warehouse authorities.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and gusty winds on Friday and Saturday, raising concerns over possible crop damage. Singh said strong winds at this stage could lead to lodging — bending or flattening of the crop — which may affect both yield and grain quality. He added that recent thunderstorms have already caused some damage in parts of the district. He advised farmers against irrigating fields at this stage, saying excess water can weaken the crop base and increase the risk of lodging.
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Source : Hindustan Times
