Scientists Issue Advisory for Farmers Amid Rise in Temperature

Scientists from the ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR), Karnal advised wheat farmers to provide light watering to the crop as per the need. The advisory comes in the wake of temperature fluctuations in the region.

According to Dr. Gyanendra Singh, Director of the ICAR-IIWBR, irrigation should be discontinued if a severe windy weather pattern is observed to prevent lodging that might lead to yield loss.

The experts also suggested keeping a close eye on the haphazardly occurring leaf aphid (chepa) in wheat.

The weather has been shifting over the past few days, which has the farmers concerned. The director was seen stating that due to the temperature fluctuations, we have issued an advice for the second week of February. If the temperature rises, farmers who have access to spray irrigation can water their field with a sprinkler for 30 minutes in the afternoon.

He further stated that farmers who use drip irrigation facilities must make sure the crop has the right amount of moisture to prevent stress. Two sprays of potassium chloride 0.2 percent during the jointing and heading stages may lessen losses and prevent damage from terminal heat in the event of a rapid spike in temperature.

Farmers were instructed to keep a close eye out for the yellow rust disease in their wheat harvest. If the yellow rust disease manifests, the Director advised consulting the personnel at the state agriculture department, the research institute, or the local Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

The ministry predicted a record wheat production of 112.18 million tonnes this season, up 5% from last year, in its second advance forecast. Due to a strong heat wave in 2018, India produced 106.84 million tonnes less wheat than it did in 2021 (109.59 million tonnes).

UP, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Bihar, MP, and Chhattisgarh are the main producers of wheat. In April, the crop is harvested.

It is advised to monitor soil moisture before and after spraying in case rain is forecasted. If yellow rust is identified, it is advised to spray one acre with 200 ml of propiconazole 25 EC diluted with 200 liters of water.