Wheat harvesting in Punjab and Haryana is likely to get delayed by up to ten days with mercury ruling low against normal temperature in several parts of the northern region.
"The wheat harvesting is likely to get delayed by seven to ten days because of low temperature prevailing in the northern region as the crop is still not mature," Karnal-based wheat research project director Indu Sharma said on Thursday.
Minimum and maximum temperature are ruling low by two to five degrees compared to normal temperatures in Punjab and Haryana.
Crop harvesting normally starts in the first week of April while it reaches peak during second and third week of the month.
"Under the present circumstances, the peak period of crop harvesting may be between fourth week of April and first week of May," she said.
Wheat procurement for the rabi season 2012-13 starts from April 1.
However, she said, low temperature was conducive for late sown crop as it helps in grain formation. "Sudden rise in mercury at this stage will hit the grain formation of late sown crop which is also not desirable," she said.
The wheat expert also pointed out that the rain and or high velocity wind could hit the prospects of bumper crop. "Rain or high velocity winds are not desirable which can damage early sown and timely sown crop in both states," she said.
{{/usCountry}}The wheat expert also pointed out that the rain and or high velocity wind could hit the prospects of bumper crop. "Rain or high velocity winds are not desirable which can damage early sown and timely sown crop in both states," she said.
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