Rise in temperature worries farmers

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 20

Farmers in the region are worried after sudden change in weather conditions. The significant increase in the temperature during third week of February may affect yield of the wheat crop. According to experts, there is high risk of yellow rust under such climate conditions. However, there is no report of any such disease till date.

Officials of the Agriculture Department are conducting survey in villages. Farmers often choose late sowing varieties of wheat as large area in the region is under basmati crop. Presently, wheat crop is at the boot and heading stage in the area.

During the last four to five days, the maximum and minimum temperature was above normal. As per weather experts the temperature will fall by 1 to 2 degree celsius in the next two to three days, but will remain above normal.

During the next 24 hours, weather will be partly cloudy and dry in Punjab. Punjab Agricultural University has advised farmers to do need-based irrigation of the wheat crop.

Dr Gurdeep Singh, an expert of the Agriculture Department, said, “We are expecting good yield of the wheat crop. We did not get any report of yellow rust or any disease so far.”

He said, “While adopting precautionary measures, we have advised farmers to monitor their crop regularly. If they find yellow powder, which is of turmeric colour, then they should report it to the Agriculture Department.”

“There are some possibilities of such problem in Fatehgarh Churian and Ajanala blocks. Our teams are visiting fields to monitor crops. If we get information about such problem we will alert all other farmers,” he added.

Experts suggested that wherever yellow rust was noticed farmers should use (do not blanket spray) fungicides like Tilt 25EC / Bumper 25EC / Stilt 25 EC/ Shine 25EC / Markzole 25EC / Compass 25EC @ 200ml or Nativo 75 WG @ 120 ml in 200 litre of water per acre to check its further spread.

Dalbir Singh Chhina, chief agriculture officer said, “We have issued an advisory to farmers that they have to irrigate their crops if weather condition sustains. However, there are possibilities of light shower in the region and temperature will dip after the rain.”

He said, “Overall, the growth and development of wheat and mustard crops is good. There is no need to worry but farmers are advised to monitor their crops regularly.”