Hot and dry weather threatens wheat crop

16-Feb-2026 08:01 PM

New Delhi. February and March are crucial for the wheat crop, as the flowering and grain-setting process continues during this time. Adverse weather conditions will increase the risk of this process being disrupted, potentially impacting the average wheat yield and grain quality.

The Meteorological Department has typically predicted temperatures to be higher than normal and rainfall to be below average in major wheat-producing regions in February. However, last week's forecast suggests that between February 16th and 20th, the activation of a western disturbance and the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal will bring rain or thundershowers to parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

This could provide significant relief to the wheat crop. So far, there have been no reports of crop damage, as the weather has remained largely cool. Although this time, approximately 75 percent of the area has been sown with wheat varieties with a higher tolerance to high temperatures. However, this too has its limits.

Wheat sowing has already concluded, and its production area has increased by 6.13 lakh hectares from last season's record level of 328.04 lakh hectares to an all-time high of 334.17 lakh hectares this time. This is expected to once again yield a robust production of this important food grain.

However, for this to happen, the weather in February and March must be favorable for the crop. Rainfall during February 16-20 will benefit the crop, but if it is accompanied by hailstorms, it could cause damage.