Chill makes a comeback after intermittent showers lash city

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 28

Intermittent showers in the city and surrounding areas since last evening brought the chill back in the air and cheered residents. In the past few days, temperature has increased but just when city residents started feeling that the winter season is over, it made a sudden come back.

Agriculture experts stated that the showers were good for the wheat crop as these would boost its growth and increase the yield. However, farmers who had irrigated their fields recently or whose fields still had wet soil due to the previous rain are worried.

Kuljeet Singh Mannawali, a farmer, said: “If the wind speed in the coming days remains normal, there will not be any problem but if the speed rises, it may flatten the crop, especially the early-sown plants.” He, however, added that the season had not been good for wheat growers as rains at the time of sowing had hindered germination of seeds and many farmers had to sow the crop again.

However, city residents are happy with the rain, as it has given them an opportunity to “party and enjoy with their family and friends”. Suneet Dhawan, a city resident, said: “I am not much aware of crops and agriculture but it is sure that rain always cheers city residents, except when it results in waterlogging and chaos on roads.” He said every time it rained, the mood in city became celebratory.

Agriculture experts stated that the showers might cause trouble in low-lying fields but, overall, these would have a good impact. They advised farmers to drain out excess water in the fields. “A prolonged winter is always good for the wheat crop. It will wash down eggs of insects and worms from the leaves of the crop and help farmers,” said the Chief Agriculture Officer, Dr Dalbir Singh Chinna.