Rain brings cheer to farmers

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, January 16

A spell of rain in the region has brought cheer among wheat and potato farmers as it is considered to be playing a crucial role in getting better yield, yet agriculture experts believe that farmers need to be more cautious as cloudy weather could trigger some diseases.

In spite of the fact that the moderate rainfall and cloudy weather since yesterday has finally brought the feeling that the winter has arrived, yet farmers believe it is like a ‘tonic’ for the crops like wheat and potato.

Joga Singh from Tut Kalan village in Nakodar said the rainfall two weeks ago was not satisfactory, yet rainy weather since yesterday was expected to be better for the crop. Wheat sown in the areas, where irrigation means are insufficient, would get boost with this spell. Besides, potato crop that has been sown recently would also get benefited.

Naresh Gulati, an agriculture expert from the District Agriculture Department said: “Though the rainfall is certainly better for the wheat and potato crops, the farmers need to be alert as continuous misty weather could increase the risk of yellow rust for the wheat crop and late blight for potato crop.”

He said farmers were required to be made aware about these diseases and look for symptoms regularly.