Showers likely in Pb and Hry, expected to benefit wheat crop

The Chandigarh Meteorological Department today predicted light to moderate rain in most parts of Punjab and Haryana which experts feel would be beneficial for wheat crop.
"Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh will witness light to moderate rain on March 9 and 10," said MeT department Director Surender Pal.
Light rain occurred in several places in Punjab and Haryana today as well, though minimum temperatures remained above normal level in most parts of both states.
Last month, concerns were raised over the sudden rise in temperature leading to fears of shrivelling of grains and the consequent yield loss.
Light to moderate rainfall in the two agrarian states will be beneficial for wheat crop, experts feel, provided they are not accompanied by thunderstorm or hailstorm.

"Rains at this stage are going to be beneficial for the wheat crop sown in Punjab and Haryana as it will bring down the temperature which is required for achieving higher yield," said Gyanendra P Singh, Director of Karnal based Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR).

The rain should not be torrential or accompanied by thunderstorm or hailstorm which can adversely hit the crop at this stage, he added.
Heavy rains accompanied by high velocity winds at this stage could flatten the crop which could have negative impact on overall productivity.
Punjab and Haryana -- major foodgrain growing states, have sown wheat -- a winter crop -- in 35 lakh hectares and 25 lakh hectares of area respectively.