Expert Analysis Reveals Extent of Wheat Crop Loss in 5 Haryana Districts

Scientists of the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) with the help of the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, and other institutes have started the evaluation of loss to the wheat crop due to the recent untimely rainfall.

The team members are evaluating the loss in five states, including UP, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

Three teams of scientists recently visited several districts to evaluate the damage. They are also analyzing the waterlogging, lodging, and grain quality. The scientists are likely to file their report soon.

Dr Gyanendra Singh, Director, ICAR-IIWBR said, “Our scientists have started the evaluation of loss to the wheat crop due to the untimely rainfall. Also, they are examining the situation in the fields.”

Also, he added, “I can’t comment on the proportion of loss to the wheat crop currently, but only after receiving the report from the scientists”.

Dr Anuj Kumar, Principal Scientist, IIWBR visited the fields in Karnal, Ambala, Kaithal, Yamuna Nagar, and Kurukshetra districts recently would submit his report to the ICAR-IIWBR Director’s office. “I found lodging at many places due to the torrential rain. Waterlogging has also been detected in the fields. We also interacted with the farmers to review the situation,” said Dr Anuj.

In March-April 2022, a scientist said wheat production had received a blow due to the sudden heatwave. They were expecting 112 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2021-22, but due to the heatwave in March and April, it was limited to 106.84 MMT in comparison to 109.59 MMT in 2020-21. In the present season, they were expecting the production of 112 MMT.

Farmers urged to put info on portal

The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department said the crop on 8,000 acres had flattened in the Kaithal district due to untimely rains.

DDA Karam Chand has urged the farmers to submit the information about the loss on the e-Fasal Kshatipurti Portal within 72 hours.