Rain in north fuels hope for good crop

CHANDIGARH: Fresh snowfall in the upper reaches of Himachal Pradesh and sporadic rainfall in parts of Punjab and Haryana on Wednesday has triggered hope for good crop this year.

The above-normal temperature in the last week of February was a cause for concern for the agri-scientists as well as farmers. “Rain helps in lowering the temperature, which is good for better productivity. Strong wind leads to lodging of the near-mature wheat crop,” said agriculture director Balwinder Singh Sidhu.

Wheat is main stay for farmers in Haryana and Punjab and apple for horticulturists in Himachal.

The Met, however, has predicted more snow and rainfall in the coming days that would further bring down temperatures.

As per surveys, both Punjab and Himachal are expecting bumper crops this year.

“We are happy to see clouds and rain. Low temperature will delay maturing of the grain, leading to a higher yield,” said Sukhwinder Singh, a farmer from Samrala.

Following today’s snowfall in Kufri, Narkanda and Kalpa, icy wind gripped Shimla and nearby areas.

Shimla meteorological centre has predicted more snow, rain and hailstorm. “Due to western disturbance, more rain, snow even hailstorm is expected in state,” Centre’s director Manmohan Singh said.