Rain across state, agriculture experts say it’s a boon for crops
With rain accompanied by strong winds on Monday bringing an end to a dry spell in several parts of Punjab, agriculture experts said light showers will prove to be a boon for crops.
The meteorological department has predicted more rain in the region, including Punjab, in the coming days.
Punjab Agricultural University’s regional research centre in Bathinda recorded 2.2mm rain till Monday morning. Bathinda chief agriculture officer Gurditta Singh said rain was beneficial to wheat, mustard and gram crops.
Though the region experienced high-velocity winds as well, these are not yet harmful for the crop, he said. ‘Farmers need not worry’ In the Doaba region, Jalandhar and the adjoining Kapurthala and Nawanshahr districts recorded 8mm-10mm rainfall early Monday.
“Farmers need not to worry. Moderate showers are healthy for crops, especially wheat which is a temperature-sensitive crop and needs cold conditions to flourish,” Jalandhar agriculture development officer Dr Jaswinder Singh said.
POTATO DELAY
Agriculture experts in Kapurthala said though rainfall was good for all crops, it could delay harvest of potatoes.
“If rainfall continues for more time, it will lead to a delay in harvesting of potato crop. The crop will not be damaged though,” said Resham Singh, a Kapurthalabased agriculture expert.
In Amritsar, rainfall started at 12.30 am and continued till the morning. Similar conditions prevailed in the Majha region.
Tajinderpal Singh, an Amritsar-based farmer, said the increasing temperature had been a cause of worry for them but the moderate rainfall has brightened their spirits.
In Patiala, trees and electricity poles were uprooted while billboards fell down. Motorists had to wade through waterlogged roads and streets after a heavy rainfall.
10 HURT AMID DAMAGE DUE TO STRONG WINDS
winds damaged several houses in some villages of the Zira and Talwandi Bhai areas of Ferozepur district on Monday evening, leaving at least 10 people injured.
Several trees and electric poles fell down while walls of kutcha houses were damaged. Electricity was also snapped at many places. The injured had to be hospitalised,
reports said. DC Ramvir said he has sought a detailed report and those in need will be extended help accordingly.