Punjab: Rain brings smiles to wheat producers, production to increase

Punjab: The rains after a few spells not only helped reduce smog and other pollutants but also provided the much-needed moisture to the soil, which is believed to be beneficial for the wheat crop sown in an estimated 34 lakh hectares across the state. The rains also brought down the mercury today. Experts said, “Today’s rain will prove beneficial for all, especially farmers. It provided the much-needed moisture to the soil, as the state received almost no rain at the start of winter. Foggy and sunny weather in the coming days will further benefit the crop.”

Agriculture department officials said that in the past, the sudden rise in temperature during winters had caused wheat grains to become thin and small. Wheat is very sensitive to high temperatures, especially during the grain development stage. Temperature has a direct impact on the number and weight of grains. The rains have also reduced the need for irrigation and are expected to reduce crop stress, leading to better growth. “If the weather remains the same in the coming days, there will be a good yield,” said Sukhjit Singh, a farmer from Sanaur. “The rain today was good. Wheat does not require much water. Today’s rain will result in good and quality yield.”