The record breaking widespread rainfall in northwest India in last two to three days has proven to be beneficial for wheat crop. The rainfall will sustain the much needed soil moisture in the root zone. Also it will help the farmers saving their inputs as they can now skip at least one irrigation cycle.
The stormy weather has affected the crops as the gusty winds at 80kmph lodged the standing mustard crop in Ludhiana and other parts of Punjab as per the unofficial reports from Punjab Agricultural University. But in Rajasthan, the moderate showers in last few days are expected to benefit the standing rapeseed mustard crop as it may lead to increased oil recovery rate.
According to the ministry of Agriculture's estimate, as of January 31, 2013, the area under cultivation was 2.7 per cent higher than that in the 2012-13 Rabi (winter) season. An area of 67.17 million hectares was brought under coverage of crops such as rice, wheat, cereals, pulses and oilseeds in the 2012-13 rabi season that started in October. The sowing of major Rabi crops so far this year is at par with the one last year. The sowing derived the benefit of late surge in monsoon(2012) rains that helped moisture retention in soil.
Photograph by fabulousfabs
