Haryana: First winter rain boosts hopes for healthy wheat, mustard harvest
The first winter rain of the season has ended the prolonged dry spell, bringing cheer to farmers across Punjab and Haryana, particularly those cultivating rabi crops such as wheat, mustard and gram. The showers, which lasted most of the day in many parts of the region, were described as timely and beneficial for crop health.
Districts such as Patiala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Muktsar in Punjab and Hisar, Jind, Mahendragarh, Sirsa, Sonepat and Panipat in Haryana, reported consistent rainfall. The drizzle not only provided the necessary moisture for recently sown crops but also helped clean dust particles from leaves, enhancing their health.
Amrik Singh, a farmer from Gahaur village in Ludhiana, said, “The amount of rainfall witnessed today is just the right quantity to keep the crop green and healthy.” Echoing his sentiment, Jaspal Singh from Sanaur said, “Wheat does not require abundant water, so a brief spell like this is perfect.”
Naveen Nehra, a young farmer from Sundawas in Hisar, who has sown mustard and wheat, expressed relief. “The mustard crop is about two months old and wheat needs its first irrigation. This rain is beneficial for both crops,” he explained.
Potato farmers in the Doaba region, however, expressed mixed feelings. While the drizzle caused no immediate harm, concerns were raised about the potential for rot and blight if rain persists. Jaswinder Sangha, a prominent potato farmer, said, “If there is more rain, it could lead to crop rotting and blight disease. Sunshine in the coming days would help ensure a good yield.”
Other crops such as mustard are also expected to benefit. Gurnam Singh, a farmer from Muktsar, said, “The rain was much needed as the district hasn’t received rainfall since October.”
Experts also highlighted the positive impact of the rain. Pavneet Kaur Kingra, Head of the Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), said, “The weather was too dry, but this rain will promote healthy growth. Cool temperatures and increased moisture are ideal for crops.”
Reports from PAU’s Regional Research Centre in Bathinda recorded 8.4 mm of rain in the morning and 10.6 mm in the afternoon.
Dr Karamjit Singh Sekhon, Director of the Agricultural Research Centre in Bathinda, said, “Frost was causing damage to wheat crops, but this rain has acted as a natural remedy. Cold weather is highly beneficial for wheat.”
Meteorologist Baljinder Singh Mann attributed the showers to persistent easterly winds, adding, “Another western system might bring rain to Delhi and Punjab on December 27, 28 and 29, although its impact on Punjab will be minimal.”
In Haryana, Hisar received 8-10 mm of rainfall, according to Dr Madan Lal Khichar, Head of the Meteorological Department at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU). He said, “Minimum temperatures across Haryana are expected to dip by 2-3°C over the next 72 hours, bringing chilly conditions, especially in the early morning and night hours.
”Farmers remain optimistic that these conditions will pave the way for a healthy rabi harvest.
This article was been republished from The Tribune.