No reports of impact of rains on wheat: Agri Min officials
Say harvesting continues in full swing
New Delhi: There are no reports of impact of recent rains on wheat and other main rabi crops as of now, and harvesting continues in full swing, senior agriculture ministry officials said on Tuesday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that due to fresh western disturbance, rain and hailstorms continue in many states. A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect northwest India during April 18-21 and a cyclonic circulation that lies over east Bihar, northeast Assam, Rayalaseema and south Tamil Nadu could lead to isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorm and lightning, according to IMD. "As of now, there are no reports of damage to wheat and other crops due to rains. In fact these rains will help zaid (summer) crops like rice," Agriculture Commissioner PK Singh said.
On the likely impact of fresh western disturbance on wheat crop, ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (ICAR-IIWBR) Director Gyanendra Singh said, "The likely rainfall or thunderstorm in these states in the coming days may not impact the crop. At this point, there is no need to worry."
