Dry and hot weather can pose a threat to the wheat crop

05-Dec-2024 08:30 PM

Dry and hot weather conditions have emerged as a significant threat to wheat crops in several major wheat-producing states in India.

Key states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, which account for a large portion of the country's wheat production, have been experiencing a severe lack of rainfall since mid-October, along with high temperatures. This combination of dry conditions and heat is creating challenges for wheat cultivation.

While the overall wheat production area in India has increased by 12.40 lakh hectares this year, rising from 188 lakh hectares to 200.40 lakh hectares, the crop conditions in states with high yield potential like Punjab and Haryana are less than ideal. In some areas, the lack of moisture in the soil and insect infestations are negatively affecting wheat growth.

Despite this, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana remain the top contributors to India's central wheat pool, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Other states, such as Bihar and Gujarat, contribute smaller quantities.

Moreover, the ongoing high temperatures in northwestern, central, and northern India are making it difficult for farmers to sow wheat, especially with the region facing moisture scarcity.

The total wheat cultivation area this year is expected to reach a five-year average of 312.35 lakh hectares, but it may take time to reach this target.

Farmers are currently facing higher wheat prices in the market compared to the minimum support price (MSP), which is encouraging them to cultivate more wheat, although favorable weather conditions are crucial for successful crop production.