Changing weather patterns impact crops across India

19-Apr-2025 11:52 AM

New Delhi. India is witnessing varying weather conditions across regions. While the southern and eastern states continue to receive heavy rains, states in the western region like Rajasthan and Gujarat are facing intense heat. Delhi-NCR, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir are also receiving rainfall.

Top wheat-producing states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana are experiencing mixed weather.

Due to western disturbances, heavy pre-monsoon showers are occurring in several states including Bihar, where wheat harvesting has started and is expected to pick up pace.

On April 18, strong winds and thunderstorms hit Delhi-NCR, damaging wheat in fields, barns, and even mandis.

Similar weather is expected on April 19, raising concerns about potential damage to wheat, barley, mustard, gram, lentils, and peas—many of which are still under harvest.

Government and commercial procurement of Rabi crops is in full swing, but slow lifting from mandis raises concerns about quality loss due to rain.

While completed harvest areas may benefit from increased soil moisture, rain during peak harvest can harm crops ready for collection.

The Meteorological Department has forecast winds of 40–60 kmph, along with rain, lightning, and thunder from April 18 to 20, urging close weather monitoring.