Rabi crops is under the stress bcoz rain eludes Haryana this winter

CHANDIGARH 24 JANUARY 

Rain has eluded the state this winter as there has been no rainfall so far. This is the most rain-deficient month of January, which equals ‘nil rain’ in the corresponding month in 2016. The year 2016 had recorded a rainfall of 1.2 mm in February.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) data stated that Haryana has an average of 9.3mm rainfall, but has recorded no rainfall until now. The IMD said the chances of showers in the next week were slim, even as chilly winds continued to sweep the region.

Since the input costs are set to increase due to the lack of rain, experts have issued an alert to rabi crop growers with regard to yellow rust and deficiency of micronutrients in plants, especially wheat crops.

Dr Om Prakash Bishnoi, a wheat scientist of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), said due to the prolonged cold and absence of sunny days, crops were under stress. “The crops need sun. Wheat plants have started turning yellow, indicating that they are under stress and suffering from lack of macronutrients,” he said.