New Delhi: There is currently no report of impact of recent rains on wheat and other main Rabi crops and harvesting is going on in full swing, senior agriculture ministry officials said on Tuesday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that rain and hailstorm will continue in many states due to the latest western disturbance.
According to the IMD, a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect Northwest India during April 18-21 and a cyclonic circulation over East Bihar, Northeast Assam Rayalaseema and South Tamil Nadu will cause heavy rains, thunderstorms at isolated places. And lightning may strike.
Agriculture Commissioner PK Singh said, "At present, there is no report of damage to wheat and other crops due to rains. In fact this rain will help Zaid (summer) crops like rice."
On the possible impact of the fresh western disturbance on the wheat crop, Gyanendra Singh, Director, ICAR-India Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (ICAR-IIWBR), said, "There is no impact on the crop due to possible rain or storm in these states in the coming days. At this time, there is no need to worry."
He said that wheat harvesting has just started in Punjab and Haryana.
Singh said, "Within a week, about 95 per cent of the wheat crop will be harvested in these two states. The harvesting is done faster because farmers use combine harvestin machines. This way we are in a much better position. "
Director ICAR-IIWBR further said that the productivity levels are quite good, which will lead to record wheat production of 114 million tonnes in the crop year 2023-24 (July-June).
The late-sown wheat crop, which has been sown in 15 per cent of the total area of 34.15 million hectares this year, will be ready for harvest in a week's time. He said that this crop has become physically mature.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that rain and hailstorm will continue in many states due to the latest western disturbance.
According to the IMD, a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect Northwest India during April 18-21 and a cyclonic circulation over East Bihar, Northeast Assam Rayalaseema and South Tamil Nadu will cause heavy rains, thunderstorms at isolated places. And lightning may strike.
Agriculture Commissioner PK Singh said, "At present, there is no report of damage to wheat and other crops due to rains. In fact this rain will help Zaid (summer) crops like rice."
On the possible impact of the fresh western disturbance on the wheat crop, Gyanendra Singh, Director, ICAR-India Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (ICAR-IIWBR), said, "There is no impact on the crop due to possible rain or storm in these states in the coming days. At this time, there is no need to worry."
He said that wheat harvesting has just started in Punjab and Haryana.
Singh said, "Within a week, about 95 per cent of the wheat crop will be harvested in these two states. The harvesting is done faster because farmers use combine harvestin machines. This way we are in a much better position. "
Director ICAR-IIWBR further said that the productivity levels are quite good, which will lead to record wheat production of 114 million tonnes in the crop year 2023-24 (July-June).
The late-sown wheat crop, which has been sown in 15 per cent of the total area of 34.15 million hectares this year, will be ready for harvest in a week's time. He said that this crop has become physically mature.
