Dry conditions to have adverse affect on wheat crop in Punjab

FUTURE FEARS

The current spell of weather, marked by a sudden rise in temperature, could hit the wheat yield in Punjab, if it continues for a couple of days more, says agricultural experts.

"If mercury continues to remain upward for longer period, it could result in an adverse impact on wheat yield,"Punjab Agricultural University Head of Agronomy R Mahey said here.

During the past week, the maximum temperature rose by at least three degree while minimum temperature was between 0.5 and one degree .

"Rising temperature in the winter season has become a cause of serious concern for agriculture scientists as untimely temperature reduces the moisture content of the wheat crop and affects wheat production,"said an agriculture expert.

Experts said the unfavourable weather conditions could also affect the growth of grain besides halting the process of starch depositing in the plant.

Last February, the wheat yield in Punjab was adversely affected because of sudden rise in temperature.