Cold wave raises farmers’ hopes of bumper wheat crop this season

Chandigarh: The prevailing cold wave in the region has brought an optimistic outlook for wheat farmers, fuelling expectations of a bumper harvest in the upcoming Rabi season.

With the northern region experiencing a prolonged cold wave, experts and farmers in major wheat-producing states, including Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, are anticipating a bumper wheat yield.

The extended cold spell is seen as a catalyst for accelerated wheat crop growth, fostering hopes of increased yields, especially in Punjab, Haryana and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Agriculture scientists note the absence of yellow rust, indicating the overall robust health of the crop.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also predicted dense to very dense fog and cold day to severe cold day conditions continuing over North India for the next 24 hours.

Experts attribute the below-normal temperatures to a positive impact on various crops, particularly wheat. The cold weather provides the necessary chill factor for optimal crop development. Agriculture and weather experts estimate that the reduced day temperatures, along with a break in foggy conditions, are conducive to wheat crop which normally requires, approximately 14°C to 15°C during this phase.

Dr Gyanendra Singh, Director, ICAR-Indian Institute for Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) in Karnal, expressed optimism about the current conditions.