Hailstorm likely to delay wheat harvesting this year

High-velocity winds, accompanied with rain, which lashed several parts of Punjab and Haryana last night may delay harvesting of wheat in the state. The winds led to damage of standing wheat crop, by flattening it in parts of the fields at certain places.

Officials in the agriculture department said it was too early to ascertain the crop loss.

However, agricultural scientists are of the view that the crop loss would take place only in those areas where there is water-logging. They also said the quantum of losses will be minimal if the weather remains congenial to the wheat crop in the coming days.

 

Further rain and strong wind may damage the crop would affect the quality, yield and shattering of grains, according to experts.

Besides, grains in such portions would lose their quality and sheen, causing further loss to farmers by fetching less price in the market, they said.

However, the earheads of wheat, which was not yet fully mature, would gain with rain as water was still required for their maturation, according to scientists.

Punjab has projected wheat output of 156 lakh tonnes in an area of 35.15 lakh hectares in the current season. It had achieved a record production of 164.72 lakh tonne last season.

Even as agriculture officials and scientists maintained that rains in Punjab and Haryana would not significantly impact production of wheat, harvesting is likely to be delayed by another six-seven days.

Delayed harvesting means farmers in Punjab and Haryana would have less time for green manuring, a practice which helps soil in maintaining its fertility.

Indu Sharma, director Wheat Research Institute (Karnal), says yesterday’s rains which lashed parts in Punjab and Haryana, would lead to a delay in harvesting by almost one week’s time.