Intermittent rain lashed most parts of the Malwa belt during the past 24 hours easing out foggy weather conditions. Agriculture experts said rain at this pint of time was beneficial for wheat, mustard and other rabi crops. While Moga received an average of 7 mm of rainfall, most parts of Ferozepur district received 8 mm of rainfall today. There are also reports of rain in Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Fazilka, Barnala, Sangrur and Ludhiana districts. Ludhiana received more than 7.5 mm of rainfall till this evening. The minimum temperature in the region was at least one to six degrees above normal. The minimum temperature in Moga was 9 degrees Celsius last night, four notches above normal. The minimum temperature in Ludhiana was 8.1 degrees Celsius and in Ferozepur 7 degrees Celsius. Weather experts have predicted cloudy conditions with the possibility of more rain in the region in the next 24 hours. The wet weather has brought cheer to farmers as farm experts say it is highly beneficial for crops like wheat, sugarcane, fodder, mustard and peas. Rain has eliminated ground frost from crops, especially potatoes and peas. Dr Jaswinder Singh Brar, an agriculture expert, said during this part of the rabi season, the farmers had to irrigate their fields. “Rain has increased soil moisture, which is required for normal development of the plant at this stage. Since rain is the best source of natural nitrogen, it increases the nutrient uptake efficiency of the plant,” he said. The farmers are presently busy sprinkling the second dose of urea on the wheat crop. Rain is likely to boost its efficiency for a healthy growth, he added. Meanwhile, a spokesman of the district administration in Moga claimed that there were no reports of yellow rust on wheat plant in any part of the district, another good sign for the farmers.
‘Will boost growth’
The farmers have to irrigate fields during this season. But rain has made their job easy. They are busy sprinkling the second dose of urea on the wheat crop. Rain will boost its efficiency for a healthy growth. —Dr Jaswinder Singh Brar, agriculture expert