Sudden rains in northern India beneficial for wheat crop: DWR

CHANDIGARH: The sudden rains at several parts of northern India are ideal for the wheat crop as it will help in boosting its output, Karnal-based Directorate of Wheat Research ( DWR) has said.

"Rains at this stage are beneficial for the wheat crop as it will have a positive impact on overall wheat production," said Indu Sharma, Director, DWR, today.

"Showers will help in crop tillering and its root system (for plant's growth)," she added.

It has been raining in most parts of Punjab and Haryana in the past 12 hours even as minimum temperatures rose several notches above normal.

Several places, including Ambala, Hisar, Karnal, Ludhiana, Patiala received rainfall of 11.5 mm, 2.2 mm, 6.6 mm, 2.6 mm and 2.2 mm, respectively.

However, DWR has asked wheat growers not to let the rain water stagnate in fields as it can be harmful for the crop.

"Farmers should avoid stagnation of water in the fields as accumulated water could adversely affect root system of wheat crop which will have negative impact on overall output," she warned, adding that farmers should keep their drainage system clean in the fields.

With cloudy weather conditions congenial for yellow rust attack on wheat crop, farmers are advised to keep a vigil on their fields to spot the disease attack on crop, if any, for remedial action.

"Farmers should regularly visit their fields to keep a tab on yellow rust attack on wheat crop," Sharma said.