Rain brings cheer to wheat growers

Moga
Light to moderate showers lashed most parts of the state, including Malwa belt, in the past 24 hours. The rain is still continuing in most parts of the state and as per the forecast, it is to remain cloudy for the next 48 hours.

Agriculture experts said rain at this point of time was beneficial for wheat, mustard and other rabi crops.

Reports suggest rain in Moga, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Barnala, Sangrur and Ludhiana districts in the Malwa belt.

The maximum temperature has dropped by three to six degrees in the entire state. Weather experts said the difference between minimum and maximum temperatures was further set to reduce. The fall in day temperature had brought in chilly weather conditions.

During the early morning, moderate to dense fog was witnessed across the Malwa belt due to significant increase in humidity and low temperatures.

As per the Meteorological Department, the rainfall is likely to increase in intensity and spread to other areas on December 12 and 13, covering most parts of the state and Chandigarh. Intensity of rainfall is likely to be 1 to 3 cm in many parts and more so, in the north-eastern parts of Punjab and Haryana during this period. The spell of rainfall is likely to be associated with thunderstorm and hailstorm in some parts of the state.

The maximum temperature in Ludhiana was recorded at 16.2 degrees Celsius on Thursday. It dipped by 6 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature was recorded at 12.3 degrees Celsius. In Moga, the maximum temperature was 16 degrees Celsius and minimum 11.8 degrees Celsius. In Amritsar, the maximum temperature was 14.8 degrees Celsius and minimum 11 degrees Celsius. In Patiala, the maximum temperature was 18.2 degrees Celsius and minimum 13 degrees Celsius.

The rain has brought cheer to farmers, as the weather is favourable for crops such as wheat, sugarcane, mustard and peas.

Dr Jaswinder Singh Brar, Plant Protection Officer of Moga, said the widespread rain had increased soil moisture, required for development of wheat plants at this stage. “Since rain is the best source of natural nitrogen, it increases the nutrient uptake efficiency of the plants,” he said.Dr Brar said light irrigation through rain had come timely after 3-4 weeks of the sowing of wheat, which was at the crown root initiation stage. “The crown initiation stage is a critical stage. Light to moderate showers is likely to benefit the growth of wheat plants,” he said. Moreover, the dip in mercury had also reduced the chances of pest attack on crops, he added.

He advised the farmers not to irrigate the fields with underground or canal water because the natural irrigation done by rain water was sufficient for wheat. “Excess irrigation may damage the crown roots,” he said.

Dr Brar said, “It is the best time to apply urea on the wheat, as the rain is likely to boost the growth of plants.”