Haryana farmers urged to wait out Western Disturbance for wheat harvest
Haryana farmers are delaying wheat harvesting as India Meteorological Department issues an orange alert for storms and rain. Experts warn early harvesting could raise moisture levels and risk rejection at mandis, leaving farmers balancing crop safety against potential weather damage.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for Friday and Saturday, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and rainfall across several parts of Haryana, farmers are hesitant about harvesting their standing crop, as sudden showers could damage produce and increase moisture content.
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) advised farmers to be cautious and remain vigilant. Dr. Ratan Tiwari, Director of IIWBR, appealed to farmers not to rush into harvesting.
“Farmers should wait until the western disturbance subsides, followed by a couple of sunny days. If rainfall occurs, they must keep vigil in the fields and ensure there is no water stagnation. Harvesting during this period may lead to high moisture content in the grain,” he said.
The advisory comes at a crucial time, with wheat fields ready for harvest across Haryana, Punjab, and western Uttar Pradesh. Farmers, however, remain caught between the fear of crop damage and the risk of losing quality.
Vikas Chaudhary, a farmer from Taraori, expressed his dilemma, “The crop is ready but if I harvest now and it rains, the wheat will be too moist. We cannot afford rejection at procurement centers.”
Ravinder, another farmer from Baldi, said, “We were planning to harvest this weekend, but after the advisory, we will wait. It is risky, but better than losing the entire season’s effort.” He said that the weather has been unpredictable.
“We hope the rains pass quickly so we can harvest safely,” he added. Sewa Singh Arya, president BKU, said that earlier, rainfall with hailstorm had flattened the standing wheat crop, causing huge loss to the farming community. If rainfall occurs, it may cause huge loss to farmers as the crop is at the harvesting stage.
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Source : The Tribune
