Rain Expected on January 22-23 Could Bring Relief
Nuh: The sudden decrease in cold temperatures in Delhi-NCR and nearby areas has brought relief to people but could spell trouble for crops. In Nuh district, wheat has been sown on 1.64 lakh acres and mustard on 75,300 acres.
According to experts, mustard crops will not be significantly affected as they are nearing harvest time, but wheat crops are at risk due to their short growth stage, which thrives in colder weather. The current temperature in the district hovers around 17-18°C, a worrying factor for farmers.
A significant portion of the population in the district still depends on agriculture for their livelihood. After sowing wheat and mustard crops, farmers were hoping for a good yield.
However, the sudden change in weather has heightened their concerns. Farmers state that wheat plants, being smaller, still need time to mature.
They require cold nights and mild sunlight during the day for optimal growth. If temperatures remain high, wheat crops may produce fewer grains, reducing overall yield.
Mustard Crops Unlikely to Suffer
According to agricultural officials, the watering cycle for mustard crops is complete, so the current temperature fluctuation will not have a major impact on them.
Advice for Farmers from the Agriculture Department
Ajay Singh Tomar, Quality Control Inspector, advised that maintaining soil moisture is essential for wheat crops. Farmers should irrigate fields every 15 days and regularly check for cracks in the soil.
If cracks appear, immediate watering is necessary. He also suggested removing weeds by hand and leaving them in the fields to help retain soil moisture.
Rain Expected on January 22-23
According to the Meteorological Department, light rainfall is expected on January 22 and 23, which could benefit wheat crops.
However, if temperatures fail to drop after the rain, crop health may still be affected.
Temperature Should Not Exceed 22°C
The ideal temperature for wheat crops should not exceed 22°C. The Meteorological Department notes that temperatures during January should ideally remain around 18-19°C, but they are currently above 20°C.
Expert Opinions:
– “If the temperature continues to rise, wheat crops will require extra attention. The true impact on wheat grains will only be known during harvesting trials.”
– Ajay Singh Tomar, Quality Control Inspector
– “If the temperature does not fall, wheat heads will start to emerge early, impacting grain development.”
– Virendra, Deputy Director of Agriculture
– “Light rain is expected on January 22 and 23, which might bring a slight drop in temperature. However, if the temperature continues to rise, crops could be affected.”
– Dr. Manjeet, Meteorological Department
Farmers remain hopeful for rainfall to aid their wheat crops and stabilize temperatures for better yield outcomes.
