The wheat-growing states of Punjab and Haryana are facing a problem with the unnaturally high temperatures in February, along with the gusty winds and hailstorms that blew over Punjab and Haryana.
The wheat crop has reached near maturity and is already damaged by the hailstorm and strong winds. Moreover, the strong winds have also flattened the standing wheat crop in a few districts in Punjab and Haryana as of Thursday.
On Thursday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh saying that "very widespread rainfall with the thunderstorm, lightning, gusty winds, and hailstorm is very possible over these states for the next several days."
Because wheat was getting close to maturity, experts in agriculture predicted that the damage would be significant.
Agriculturist Devinder Sharma expressed concern over the harsh weather conditions in the northwest, saying they will certainly flatten the crop. "While the effects of the damage will be evaluated later, it is apparent that this year's wheat production in the nation will undoubtedly be impacted. And this will worsen the situation for farmers," said Sharma.
Moreover, the brown rust disease of wheat has been crippling the crop as well. OP Bishnoi, a wheat specialist at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, advised farmers to stop irrigation as it leads to lodging. Furthermore, he cautioned them about spraying fungicide and potassium chloride as well.
Mumbai receives pre-monsoon warnings:
On Thursday, Mumbai and several areas of Maharashtra experienced light showers, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The state's crop losses could be made worse by the rains.
The rains occur after the city earlier this week hit 39.4 degrees Celsius, the season's peak temperature, and at a time when the state is experiencing a spike in viral illnesses and influenza cases.
"Thunder and rain were observed in most of central Maharashtra. Little rain was also reported in Raigad "IMD stated.
The massive rains from last week, which ruined standing crops, have already left farmers reeling. The city's temperature was 27 degrees Celsius on Thursday morning, with an 82% humidity level.
On Thursday afternoon or evening, Mumbai is expected to have rain or thundershowers, according to the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RMC).
Light rainfall was reported in Mumbai and several areas of Maharashtra on Thursday. Mumbai residents should anticipate overcast skies for the remainder of the week, according to the RMC's forecast.
