Like other districts of the state, wheat farmers in Ludhiana district will too get relief from inclement weather from Saturday, say experts from Meterological Centre, Chandigarh.
Ever since February has started, rain with high-velocity winds has incurred huge losses to wheat crop in the region.
Met director Surinder Paul Singh said, “Till April 16, weather will remain favourable for wheat maturity as clear days are expected. As per our fresh forecast, there will be sunny days with low temperature during night, which will help crop to mature. No high-velocity winds are expected, but from April 17, there are chances of rainfall, which can last for about another few days.”
Gurmeet Singh Buttar, director of PAU seed farm, Ladowal, said, “Low temperatures, especially during night play an important role in helping the crop mature.”
“In simple words, when temperature is low crops breathe well and it uses less energy to breathe. Clear weather expected will curb further damages, but seeing the current state of crop in the district, harvesting will not be possible by April 15 and can be delayed till April end,” Buttar said.
On being asked to comment on the status of their crop, a group of farmers during their visit to PAU on Friday, said, “When we look at our wheat fields, we hardly feel that harvesting will begin by April 15 as scheduled by the state government. It needs more time to mature as due to inclement weather, the crop struggled which delayed its maturity. However, if temperature remains low and there is no rainfall, harvesting can began by April end otherwise, delay will continue.”
{{/usCountry}}On being asked to comment on the status of their crop, a group of farmers during their visit to PAU on Friday, said, “When we look at our wheat fields, we hardly feel that harvesting will begin by April 15 as scheduled by the state government. It needs more time to mature as due to inclement weather, the crop struggled which delayed its maturity. However, if temperature remains low and there is no rainfall, harvesting can began by April end otherwise, delay will continue.”
{{/usCountry}}Balraj Singh, a farmer from Kupp village, said, “On my way to Ludhiana this morning, I noticed that most fields on the way were affected by the rain. I hope state government will compensate for the losses.”
Week's weather overview:
Minimum temperature from Saturday till next six-seven days can vary between 17, 18 and 19°C, while maximum temperature will remain around 30, 32, 33°C with clear sky.
(Source: Meterological Centre, Chandigarh)