Rain in March to pour woes for mustard, wheat production

Delayed winter rain during December – February may spillover into March raising concerns of farmers who are preparing to harvest essential rabi crops such as wheat, mustard and gram. As per Skymet Meteorology Division in India, heavy rainfall across North India during the first week of March is likely to be followed by short spell of rains during the rest of the month, with possible adverse effect on standing crops.

Rabi or winter crops like mustard, gram and lentils that require dry weather during March – April can come under threat if farmers experience unseasonable rain. Farm output gets affected when crops ready for harvest get soaked in excessive rainfall.

According to Skymet, February is likely to end on a rainy note as hilly states of India are expected to observe snowfall with plains of North India likely to witness rainfall. Come March and northern parts of the country are most likely to witness moderate rainfall followed by central parts and eastern parts of India as well.

“November and half of December went dry for most parts of the country. Looking at the trend, February is likely to end on a rainy note with March too experiencing good rain during first week, followed by rains on 9-10^th and 21^st -22nd March. Western disturbance and induced systems are likely to result in unusual prolonged spell of rain,” says GP Sharma, chief meteorologist, Skymet Weather Services.

Moderate to heavy rain is expected to damage upto 40-60% of the standing crop of wheat.Gram and lentil is advancing towards maturity and rains will have adverse effect on the crop maturity and will also increase the chances of pest infestation.

“Wheat is in maturity stage in Punjab & Haryana and rain will have detrimental effect on wheat crop where farmers have recently irrigated their fields. Harvesting of mustard has already begun in parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh and rain will deteriorate the quality of produce,” says Nalin Rawal, Chief Agri Research Analyst, Skymet weather Services.

Mandi arrivals will face delay along with deterioration of quality thus resulting in possible price rise of essential food items.