ICAR-IIWBR Provides Wheat Farmers with Weather Advisory Amidst Heatwave Forecast

Key Highlights

• ICAR-IIWBR advisory for wheat farmers amid IMD's heatwave forecast.
• Regions warned of heatwaves: North Interior Karnataka, Odisha, and others.
• Guidance includes moisture maintenance, irrigation practices, and crop protection measures.
• Government interventions aim at stabilizing wheat prices and ensuring local market supply.

The ICAR-IIWBR (Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research) has shared important advice with wheat farmers all over India due to some worrying weather forecasts. With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting heatwaves and warm nights in different parts of the country, the institute's guidelines are aimed at helping farmers protect their wheat crops.

Also Read: Weather Forecast: Severe Heatwave Expected to Grip India, Urges Precautionary Measures

IMD Warnings and Regional Impact

The IMD has issued warnings about the upcoming heatwave conditions in certain areas across various regions. These include places like North Interior Karnataka, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and others from April 4 to 6. Some regions like Telangana and Vidarbha are expected to face similar conditions from April 5 to 6. There are also alerts about warm nights in isolated areas during the same period.

Guidance for Wheat Farmers

For farmers in central and peninsular India who are getting ready to harvest wheat in the coming week, the ICAR-IIWBR suggests making sure the crops have enough moisture and cleaning them properly for safe storage after harvesting. Farmers in the northeast and northwest regions are advised to use light irrigation to keep the soil moisture at the right levels for the crops to grow well.

Also Read: Farmers Urged to Comply with Guidelines Before Selling Wheat to Ensure Successful Transactions

Contingency Measures and Harvesting Updates

In case the temperatures go above 37 degrees Celsius, farmers are advised to take quick action. This includes applying specific solutions to the crops to help them cope with the heat and prevent them from drying out. There are also instructions for farmers in hilly areas to protect their crops from certain types of rust by using a particular chemical solution.

Harvesting Progress and Government Intervention

While some states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh have already finished harvesting wheat, Uttar Pradesh, the biggest wheat-producing state, is yet to start. The government's decision to stop wheat exports in May 2022, along with selling wheat through auctions in the current financial year, aims to keep wheat prices stable and ensure enough supply in the local market.

Also Read: Top 10 Tips for Maximizing Paddy Sugarcane Production: A Guide for Farmers

CMV360 Says

This proactive step by the ICAR-IIWBR shows how important it is to give specific guidance to farmers to help them deal with bad weather and other challenges. It helps in safeguarding crop yields and making sure there's enough food for everyone, especially with changing market conditions.