Wheat harvesting is set to get delayed by 10—15 days in wheat growing states of Punjab and Haryana because of untimely rains and unanticipated low temperature.

Though there were some reports of crop flattening in a few areas of Punjab because of rains lashing various parts of the northern region, farm experts asserted that there was not going to be any adverse impact on overall output of winter crop in both these states.

However, experts fear of damage to crop if rains accompanied by thunderstorm occur in wheat growing areas.

“There is going to be delay of more than 10 days in harvesting of wheat crop in Punjab and Haryana due to rains and unexpected cool temperature prevailing in these parts of the country,” said Karnal—based Directorate of Wheat Research, Project Director, Indu Sharma.

“At this time we need warm temperature for the maturity of wheat crop but it is unexpectedly remaining cool which will certainly delay in harvesting,” she said, adding that the crop in various parts of Punjab and Haryana had not ripened yet.

Maintaining that there were no reports of any major damage to wheat crop in Punjab and Haryana due to rains, Sharma said the prospects for wheat output are looking positive.

“However, if rain along with storm occurs in this region during next few days, then there could be damage to the crop,” she said.

Punjab has projected wheat output of 161.59 lakh tonnes while Haryana is eyeing production of 124 lakh tonnes in the rabi season on the back of prolonged winter and containing attack of fungal disease on wheat crop efficiently.

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