Rising night temperatures will affect wheat yield

Chandigarh, Jan 28 (UNI) Dry weather and rising night temperatures in the north west plains of Punjab and Haryana are causing concerns for the farmers of the wheat belt.

The minimum temperatures which were three to six degrees Celsius above normal in most parts of the two states, are not considered condusive for the development of the wheat grain.

In the last wheat season in the two states, the above normal minimum temperatures in the months of February and March had led to a fall in the wheat yield.

There was a rise of five degrees in the minimum temperature at Amritsar as the cold wave abated from Punjab. The night temperature in the Holy City and Ludhiana was recorded at 7.8 degrees each while at Patiala it was 9.1 degrees, four degrees above normal.

The night temperatures also showed a steady rise in Haryana where Ambala recorded a low of 9.6 degrees celsius, four degrees above normal.

In Karnal and Hisar the minimum was 11.0 degrees each, four to six degrees above normal respectively.

Chandigarh and its adjoining areas also recorded an increase in the temperature following partially cloudy weather. The sun played hide and seek during the day. The minimum temperature rose to 11.6 degrees, three degrees above normal.

Parts of Himachal Pradesh continued to be under the impact of cold climatic conditions. Extreme cold wave conditions persisted in the tribal belt where snowfall occured at isolated places, including Petsio.

Bhuntar in Kullu district recorded 4.4 degrees and Sundernagar in Mandi district showed 5.6 degrees. The capital town of Shimla, experiencing unsuually warmer days, registered a night temperarture of 7.3 degrees celsius which was six degrees above normal.

The Weather Office has predicted light to moderate rain or snow at isolated places in Himachal Pradesh and partly cloudy days with fog or mist occuring during night and morning in Punjab and Haryana in the next 24 hours.

UNI