Wheat production in Punjab and Haryana will be lower as the crop was hit at the fag end of maturity stage due to inclement weather conditions, a top official of the Karnal based Directorate of Wheat Research said today.

“As per reports from fields, wheat production in Punjab and Haryana has been adversely affected due to unfavourable weather conditions prevailed at the fag end of maturity stage which will have bearing on crop production,” said Indu Sharma, Project Director, Directorate of Wheat Research.

However, she expressed optimism that country’s wheat output target of 93 million tonne would be achieved.

Inclement weather conditions including untimely rain accompanied by hailstorm prevailed during the month of March this year which raised fear of crop damage in Punjab and Haryana.

Sharma also said the production level in Punjab and Haryana will drop because of exceptionally high output achieved last year.

“Last year, wheat production in Punjab and Haryana was exceptionally high. The drop this year was bound to happen,” she said.

During last season, Punjab had recorded an all—time high wheat yield of 179.82 lakh tonnes on the back of favourable weather conditions, while Haryana had an output of 130.69 lakh tonnes.

For current season, Punjab and Haryana has projected wheat output of 162 lakh tonne and 124 lakh tonne respectively in this season on the back of prolonged winter and absence of major attack of fungal disease on wheat crop.

However, she was optimistic about achievement of 93 million tonne of wheat production across the country. “Wheat output in other states like Madhya Pradesh is expected to be higher, therefore, the output target can be achieved,” she said.

Meanwhile, farmers outfit Indian Farmers Association today sought Rs 500 per quintal as bonus from the Centre for wheat growers in the wake of drop in output of the grain.

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