Wheat crop expected to benefit from increasing cold in the weather

06-Mar-2025 12:16 PM

The drop in temperature due to the continuous flow of cold air in northern India is likely to benefit the Rabi crops, particularly wheat, by providing some relief from the earlier scorching heat.

Analysts in the trade sector believe that if the weather remains favorable, wheat production this year could exceed last year’s levels.

The cold weather, accompanied by rain and snowfall in hilly areas, has brought a welcome change after a period of high temperatures in February.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), strong surface winds are expected to continue in northwestern India, including Delhi, with wind speeds ranging from 25 to 35 km/h, and up to 45 km/h in some areas.

Snowfall is also predicted in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, which will further bring cold air into the plains, reducing the heat.

The forecast for wheat production in India for the 2024-25 season has been estimated at about 1100 lakh tonnes, and the sowing area has increased. The wheat varieties cultivated this season are more resilient to heat and sunlight.

As long as favorable weather conditions continue through March, including occasional light showers, wheat production could be very strong this year.

However, despite expectations of better production and increased sales under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), wheat prices in the wholesale market remain significantly higher than the minimum support price.

Preparation for harvesting early-sown wheat crops is expected to start soon, with a robust arrival of new wheat expected in the market next month