The farmers are expecting a bumper wheat crop this year compared to last year, it is yet not predictable.
According to the agriculture experts, the sudden rise in temperature in March, when the crop is at the grain filling stage, determines the yield of the wheat crop. Last year, the farmers had witnessed a sharp decline in the yield of wheat, which was from 4 to 6 quintals per acre.
“At present, the weather is very good for wheat crop, if the winter season prolongs and the temperature does not shoot abnormally in March, the yield of the crop would be very good, but as of now, it is premature to say something about weather,” said Dr Harinder Singh , associate director,KVK Kapurthala, who has recently been transferred from Faridkot.
“We have noted that the temperature of South-Western Punjab remains about 2 to 3 degree celsius higher than other parts which is called a variation of temperature.Last year, the rise of temperature in March led to a loss of 10 grams of wheat grains in test weight.(It was about 32 -33 grams against 42 grams per 1000 grains.This variation also affects the paddy crop when it is at pollination stage which is called sterility in paddy. It leads to chaff-foke or thoth(empty grains). In wheat, it affects the grain filling state and leads to a decline in the yield,”Dr Harinder Singh explains.
This cycle, he says, has been noted for about 4 years.
“Yes, I have also seen a decline in my paddy crop last year and basmati crop before last year.The temperature was higher and some of the grains of paddy did not fill. There was chaff. Last year, I got 47 Man of wheat yield per acre against 60 man in the previous year.It was a big loss,” said Jagropp Singh, a farmer from village Bir Sikhan Wala of the district.
“I fear that the temperature may shoot up abnormally in March like last year because the current weather phenomenon is almost the same. It is cold and cloudy with few hours of sunshine,” said Jagroop Singh.
“The rise in temperature affects the wheat crop sown in mulching as it works as an insulator and retains more humidity and makes the soil airy. When the temperature rises, the temperature of the soil also rises proportionally and munching works as an insulator keeping soil temperature lower than the wheat sown in other ways,i.e. incorporating the stubble in soil, burning or collecting it by balers,” said Dr Harinder Singh.