Wheat crop in UP likely to be affected by high temperature

08-Feb-2025 04:17 PM

The recent rise in daytime temperatures in Uttar Pradesh is likely to have a detrimental effect on the state's wheat crop, which is one of India's most significant.

The state agriculture department has noted that the unusually high temperatures have already started impacting wheat plants in eastern Uttar Pradesh, causing their size to be much smaller than normal—around 35-40 cm, compared to the typical 70-80 cm.

This will likely result in lower grain production, and there's a risk that the wheat could ripen prematurely.

The Director General of the Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Research Council pointed out that the minimum temperature in some areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh has exceeded the critical 15°C threshold, which could further damage the crop if the heat persists.

For recovery, experts recommend that temperatures should drop below 15°C for at least 10-15 more days.

In addition to the reduced size and yield, the absence of sufficient moisture in the soil is a major concern, as it impairs the development of flowers and grains, leading to poor nutrition in the crops.

The yield is expected to decrease by 2-3 quintals per hectare, especially in rain-dependent regions of the eastern part of the state.

Meanwhile, the situation in western Uttar Pradesh is not as critical, as temperatures there have remained relatively normal, not posing an immediate threat to the wheat crop.

If the high temperatures continue, it could lead to a sharp reduction in wheat production, further exacerbated by the lack of rain, especially in regions where irrigation is limited.