Unseasonal rains threaten rabi crops

NEW DELHI: Unseasonal rains in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh have, so far, not affected much the standing rabi (winter sown) crops in most parts of these states, but the forecast of rains and thunderstorms in next 24 hours may spell doom for farmers if these weather events intensify during the period.
Ground reports from parts of Punjab and Haryana show that high wind speed and rains flattened standing wheat crop in areas surrounding Panipat district in Haryana and Ludhiana district in Punjab.
Officials in agriculture ministry, however, said the situation was not as bad in other parts of these states. “Light rains at this stage will, in fact, benefit crops like wheat and mustard. Farmers should worry only if rains intensify in next 24 fours or continue for longer period,” said an official.
The private weather forecast agency, Skymet Weather, on Friday predicted possibility of rains and thundershowers in parts of Punjab, Haryana, west and central Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand during the next 24 hours. It said the rainfall activities will then shift towards east Uttar Pradesh.