Mercury dip to aid wheat growth, say experts
The cold weather and frost in parts of northern India are benefiting the wheat crop during the ongoing Rabi season, according to scientists from ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research. With 29.5 million hectares of wheat sown by mid-December, experts predict improved yields due to favorable conditions. Frost and fog are enhancing grain filling, which is expected to boost flowering and overall crop productivity.
Scientists at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) in Karnal said that wheat thrives in cold conditions and fog that is likely to cover the belt soon, is also a boon for the crop.
The prevailing cold-weather conditions in the northern belt and frost in some areas of the region is expected to aid the sowing of wheat crop during the ongoing Rabi (winter) season, agricultural experts believe.
Scientists at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) in Karnal said that wheat thrives in cold conditions and fog that is likely to cover the belt soon, is also a boon for the crop.
They said that so far 29.5-million-hectare wheat sowing has been recorded in the country till the first fortnight of December, which is nearly 1.5 million hectares more than last year.
Wheat, the main winter crop, is sown between late October and early December, while the harvesting will start from April onwards.
Principal scientist Anuj Kumar said, “The prevailing weather will improve the grain filling with increased flowering and will improve the overall yield of the crop.”
Officials of the state agriculture department said that frost on crops has been reported in the morning hours in the Hisar region and also in some places of Kaithal, which, Kumar said is also favourable for the crop.
He said that in Punjab, farmers have reported to them about similar frost conditions in Bathinda and Fatehgarh Sahib.
Charanjeet Singh, a farmer from Yamunanagar district said, “Weather is currently favourable for the crop and if there is there is dense fog in coming days, it will be very helpful for the crop.”
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Source : Hindustan Times
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