Rain and Cold Weather Benefit Wheat Crop

28-Jan-2026 08:49 PM

New Delhi: The rainfall caused by the active Western Disturbance in northwestern India is considered beneficial for the wheat crop.

The weather is also cold, and the lower temperatures will help retain moisture in the soil for a longer period.

Agricultural experts believe that several areas in states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan have received such good rainfall that there will be no need for additional irrigation of the wheat crop until mid-February, provided there is no sudden and significant increase in temperature.

The area under wheat cultivation, the most important food grain of the Rabi season, has increased by 6.13 lakh hectares from last year's record level of 328.04 lakh hectares to an all-time high of 334.17 lakh hectares this year, which is about 22 lakh hectares more than the five-year average area of ​​312.35 lakh hectares.

Under this, the area under wheat cultivation has increased by 8 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 4 lakh hectares in Rajasthan. Sowing has also increased in Haryana and Gujarat.

On the other hand, wheat sowing in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Bihar has lagged slightly behind last year's figures.

Approximately 95 percent of the country's wheat production comes from these states, and the wheat crop there has reached the vegetative stage.

The flowering and grain formation process will begin next month, so favorable weather in February-March is essential.

The government has set a target of 1190 lakh tonnes for wheat production this year and is confident of achieving this target.