Punjab Experts Advise Wheat Farmers to Protect Crop from Rising Temperatures
Higher temperatures during the key earing and grain-filling stages can negatively affect the crop.
Punjab Experts Advise Wheat Farmers to Protect Crop from Rising Temperatures
With February temperatures in Punjab rising 2–4 degrees Celsius above last year’s levels, agricultural experts have advised farmers to take immediate steps to safeguard their wheat crop.
Higher temperatures during the key earing and grain-filling stages can negatively affect the crop. Excess heat may speed up maturity, reduce grain weight and ultimately impact both yield and quality.
Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), suggested that farmers should provide light irrigation to help cool the crop canopy and minimise stress caused by rising heat.
Adding to this advice, Dr Hari Ram, Head of the Department of Agronomy, recommended spraying a 2 per cent potassium nitrate (13:0:45) solution twice. The solution can be prepared by dissolving 4 kg of potassium nitrate in 200 litres of water. He advised that the sprays be applied at the boot leaf and anthesis stages, preferably during evening hours.
Experts said that adopting these measures could reduce the harmful impact of high temperatures and help maintain better grain weight and yield to some extent.
Farmers have expressed concern over the unusual rise in temperature. Baldev Singh from Ludhiana said they sowed on time but are worried about the sudden heat. Gurpreet Singh from Moga added that continued heat could shrink grains, and timely guidance is essential.
Source: The Tribune