Jalandhar: Heat stress advisory for wheat growers

Jalandhar: Last year, 1.7 lakh hectares of wheat was cultivated in Jalandhar district, yielding an average of 48.5 quintals of grain per hectare. Experts have warned that rising temperatures this season could pose a threat to the crop. According to agricultural scientists, temperatures in the second week of February were 2-4°C higher than the same time last year. Wheat, especially during the grain-filling stage, is very sensitive to high temperatures. Heat stress at this crucial stage can cause grain wilting and ultimately reduce yields. MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, advised farmers to use light irrigation during the current high temperature conditions to reduce stress. He emphasized that farmers should monitor wind speed while irrigating to prevent crop damage. Echoing similar concerns, Hari Ram, head of the agronomy department at PAU, recommended spraying a 2% solution of potassium nitrate on wheat crops. This solution can be prepared by dissolving 4 kg of potassium nitrate (13-0-45) in 200 liters of water. He advised spraying twice, first at the flag leaf stage and then at the anthesis stage, to help the crop withstand heat stress.