Gusty winds, rain lash Ludhiana, flatten wheat crop
As per the data received from the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana received 5 mm and 0.8 mm of rain in March in 2021 and 2022 respectively
Gusty winds and moderate showers lashed Ludhiana district on Friday, bringing respite from soaring temperatures, but flattening the ready-to-harvest wheat crop that could result in low yield and loss to farmers.
The district on Friday received 2.2 mm rainfall. It recorded a total of 53.8 mm rainfall in the month of March, making it the wettest March in the last two years.
As per the data received from the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), the district received 5 mm and 0.8 mm of rain in March in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
While moderate showers brought respite from high temperatures, farmers were a worried lot as the crop is at the maturing stage and unexpected showers can have an adverse impact on the produce.
On Friday, the city recorded a maximum of 20 degree Celsius and minimum of 16 degree Celsius. The maximum temperature was 30 degree Celsius and minumum 18 degree Celsius on Thursday.
According to the experts at PAU, unseasonal rains cause lodging due to which the standing crop falls flat, resulting in low yield and difficulty in harvest.
{{/usCountry}}According to the experts at PAU, unseasonal rains cause lodging due to which the standing crop falls flat, resulting in low yield and difficulty in harvest.
{{/usCountry}}PK Kingra, head of the climate change and agriculture metrological department, said, “as compared to March 2022, this time Ludhiana has received a lot of rainfall. It has surely affected the crop severely. However, we advise farmers to postpone harvesting by another week as gusty winds, thunderstorms, lighting, and moderate rainfall is yet again expected on April 3 to 4. And in case the harvesting has already been done, we recommend farmers to take precautions to store their produce in a dry place, in order to minimise further damage.” According to the meteorological department, from April 3 onwards, strong winds, thunderstorm, lighting, and moderate rainfall will again lash several parts of Punjab and will continue till April 5.
{{/usCountry}}PK Kingra, head of the climate change and agriculture metrological department, said, “as compared to March 2022, this time Ludhiana has received a lot of rainfall. It has surely affected the crop severely. However, we advise farmers to postpone harvesting by another week as gusty winds, thunderstorms, lighting, and moderate rainfall is yet again expected on April 3 to 4. And in case the harvesting has already been done, we recommend farmers to take precautions to store their produce in a dry place, in order to minimise further damage.” According to the meteorological department, from April 3 onwards, strong winds, thunderstorm, lighting, and moderate rainfall will again lash several parts of Punjab and will continue till April 5.
{{/usCountry}}