Farmers worried due to rising temperatures in northern and central parts of the country

13-Feb-2025 05:46 PM

Farmers in northern and central India are facing increasing concerns over the rising temperatures, which have been 3 to 6 degrees Celsius above the normal average in recent days.

This heat is particularly troubling for Rabi crops like wheat, barley, mustard, and gram, potentially leading to a reduction in yields and affecting their quality.

The Meteorological Department has raised alarms about the heat’s adverse effects on crop development. For instance, mustard and gram crops may ripen prematurely, negatively impacting both their yield and quality.

Additionally, regions like northern Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, western Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Chhattisgarh are seeing day temperatures significantly higher than usual, which is hindering the growth of Rabi crops.

There is also concern for other agricultural products, such as onions, garlic, and tomatoes, which could suffer from the heat, reducing both their yield and quality.

The overall temperature increase over the last few days has also affected night temperatures in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Gujarat, adding further stress on crops.

The Meteorological Department had earlier predicted higher-than-normal temperatures in February, and while conditions have not yet reached alarming levels, there is uncertainty about the weather’s future course.

If temperatures remain high through March with less rainfall, the situation could worsen, especially for crops like mustard and gram, which will be harvested in March. As for wheat and barley, their harvesting starts in April, so they may still face the brunt of these conditions later.

Farmers are closely monitoring the weather, hoping that favorable conditions will prevail to ensure good crop production this season.