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ICAR-IIWBR advisory aids wheat farmers against upcoming heatwaves, ensuring crop protection and food security amidst challenging weather forecasts.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.