Rain lashes Punjab; boon for crops, say agri experts - Hindustan Times
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Rain lashes Punjab; boon for crops, say agri experts

Hindustan Times, Bathinda/Jalandhar/Amritsar | ByHT Correspondents
Feb 12, 2018 12:08 PM IST

Moderate rainfall coupled with strong winds and thunderstorm across the Doaba region on Monday early morning will help to bring down temperature, giving a boost to the wheat crop and other vegetable crops for healthy growth, agriculture experts said.

The northern state of Punjab was lashed by strong winds and thundershowers on Monday ending a dry spell. The meteorological department has predicted more rainfall in the region

Rain lashed all of Chandigarh on Monday morning.(KEshav Singh/HT)
Rain lashed all of Chandigarh on Monday morning.(KEshav Singh/HT)

Boon for crops

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The regional research centre of Punjab Agricultural University in Bathinda recorded 2.2 mm rain till Monday morning. Chief agriculture officer (CAO), Bathinda, Gurditta Singh said rain was beneficial to all the crops including wheat, mustard and gram.

Though the region experienced high-velocity winds as well, these are not yet harmful for the crop, he added. The weather forecast has predicted rain till February 13, which will also be beneficial for the crop, the chief agricultural officer said.

Moderate rain in Doaba

Moderate rainfall coupled with strong winds and thunderstorm across the Doaba region on Monday early morning will help to bring down temperature, giving a boost to the wheat crop and other vegetable crops for healthy growth, agriculture experts said.

Jalandhar and adjoining districts including Kapurthala and Nawanshahr recorded rainfall ranging from 8mm to 10mm during the early hours on Monday.

“Farmers need not to worry. In fact these moderate showers are healthy for all crops, especially wheat, which is a temperature-sensitive crop and needs cold conditions to flourish,” Dr Jaswinder Singh, Jalandhar agriculture development officer said.

The wheat crop, which has to be harvested in April mid to mid-May, does not need water before three months of harvesting for good growth. He said rainfall will help to bring down the chilling effect on the crops and stabilize the temperature.

“Dip in temperature will help to save the crop from the moisture, which usually results in damaging the crop. If atmospheric conditions remain favourable in the coming days, we can expect bumper production this year,” Singh said.

A man runs for shelter amid pouring rain in Patiala on Monday. (Bharat Bhushan/HT)
A man runs for shelter amid pouring rain in Patiala on Monday. (Bharat Bhushan/HT)

Potato harvesting could be delayed if rainfall continues

Agriculture experts in Kapurthala said that though rainfall was good for all the crops, it could delay harvest of potatoes.

“If rainfall continues for more time, it will lead to a delay in harvesting the potato crop. The crop will not be damaged, though,” said Resham Singh, a Kapurthala-based agriculture expert.

Rain lashes Amritsar

Rainfall witnessed across the northern region provided respite to wheat growers in and around Amritsar.

Wheat growers in the region had been worried over increasing temperature, which impacts rabi crops negatively.

In Amritsar, rainfall started at 12.30 am on Monday. It continued intermittently throughout the night till morning. Similar condition prevailed in the Majha region.

Rainfall pushed the temperature down, thereby creating favourable climate for rabi crops. “It was light rain, which is good for the health of wheat. It has a positive impact on the quality of grain and yield. Wheat crop needs low temperature, but for the past few days the temperature had not gone down much. The rain has made the weather favourable for vegetables too,” said Dalbir Singh Chhina, chief agriculture officer of Amritsar.

Tajinderpal Singh, a farmer, said the increasing temperature had been a cause of worry for them but light rainfall has brightened their spirits.

Senior medical officer (SMO) Dr Rajinder Arora said rain has settled pollutants and dust particles causing allergic diseases and infections. “Rain has settled them down. Increased moisture in the air also helps fight diseases,” he added.

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