Cold Good for Punjab's Wheat Crops
- 14 years ago
The cold wave in Northern India maybe causing problems for many city dwellers, but it seems to be welcomed by Punjab farmers who say frost and fog help the quality of their wheat crop.
The current cold wave in Northern India has been a blessing to Punjab’s farmers. According to agronomists, frost and foggy weather are favorable for wheat crops as the moisture strengthens the roots of the wheat.
And as the region contributes to 70 percent of India’s wheat yield, farmers are happy for the cold to stay. Especially since this year may see a 70 to 80 percent increase compared to last year.
[Baldev Singh, Local Farmer]: (male, Punjabi)
“The cold is very favorable for my crop which I have sown in eight acres. The frost and light drizzle are also very beneficial. The use of pesticides has been minimal this time. We are expecting a good yield this season."
Punjab’s maximum temperature in the first week of January has been in the range of 4 degrees Celsius.
The current cold wave in Northern India has been a blessing to Punjab’s farmers. According to agronomists, frost and foggy weather are favorable for wheat crops as the moisture strengthens the roots of the wheat.
And as the region contributes to 70 percent of India’s wheat yield, farmers are happy for the cold to stay. Especially since this year may see a 70 to 80 percent increase compared to last year.
[Baldev Singh, Local Farmer]: (male, Punjabi)
“The cold is very favorable for my crop which I have sown in eight acres. The frost and light drizzle are also very beneficial. The use of pesticides has been minimal this time. We are expecting a good yield this season."
Punjab’s maximum temperature in the first week of January has been in the range of 4 degrees Celsius.