Low temperature a bad omen for wheat crop

Unpredictable climate has increased the miseries of farmers by threatening to damage the wheat stored in different grain markets of the state. There have been continuous western disturbances that have led to a considerable decrease in the temperature.

Unpredictable climate has increased the miseries of farmers by threatening to damage the wheat stored in different grain markets of the state. There have been continuous western disturbances that have led to a considerable decrease in the temperature during a season that normally witnesses dry and hot climate.

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Experts say, "Western disturbances are frequently hitting the area and this phenomenon has led to a dip in temperature and unpredictable rain," said KK Gill, associate agro-meteorologist at PAU. She said the western disturbances were in effect for 72 hours.

This was perhaps for the first time that the temperature was as low as this at this time of the year, Gill said.

The moisture content in the air is also bad for the crop that is ready for procurement and lying in grain markets. "Wheat can become vulnerable to fungus if the moisture content in the air is excessive," said GS Bhuttar, head of the agronomy department, PAU.

He said a device to check the moisture content in the crop was available in the grain market and farmers were advised to check it regularly.

The day temperature in Ludhiana was recorded at 32 degree Celsius. The temperature during the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday was 19 degree Celsius.