ROORKEE: The ongoing cold spell in Haridwar district poses a threat to the mustard crop, with agriculture experts warning of potential damage due to frost-related diseases and insects. As temperatures dip to 8 degrees celsius, the oilseed crop becomes vulnerable to various ailments.
In the past week, Haridwar has experienced temperatures ranging from 3 to 7 degrees celsius, a concern for the district’s extensive mustard cultivation spanning over 5,000 hectares.The meteorological department forecasts continued foggy conditions for at least another week, increasing the risk to crops.
Haridwar district, encompassing 1.7 lakh hectares of cultivable land, has more than 5,000 hectares of mustard cultivation. Recent government data recorded 1,700 hectares of mustard cultivation this year, an increase from around 1,500 hectares last year. ” Mustard yield per hectare is around 11.6 quintals in Haridwar district,” said Vijay Deorari, the chief agriculture officer.
Meanwhile, meteorologists predict temperatures below 8 degrees celsius until February 4, with intermittent light rain expected. Alok Shukla, a meteorological observer, said, “The persistence of cold mornings will particularly affect agricultural activities.”
Farmers have also expressed concerns over the possible impact of cold weather conditions on crops. Deshram Saini, an 86-year-old farmer, said, “I have sown mustard crops on more than 70 bigha of land, and if the frost does not disappear in the coming days, my crops could be affected.”
Agricultural scientists highlight the risks posed by humidity during foggy conditions, leading to fungal infections like rust and blight and the infestation of aphid insects. Purushottam Kumar, officer-in-charge of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Dhanouri, a field unit of GB Pant Agriculture University, said, “The mustard crop is now in the grain-filling stage, and continuous frost could cause damage. While rain is anticipated early Feb, in its absence, farmers will resort to light irrigation in mustard fields and use smoke to disperse fog during the nights.
In the past week, Haridwar has experienced temperatures ranging from 3 to 7 degrees celsius, a concern for the district’s extensive mustard cultivation spanning over 5,000 hectares.The meteorological department forecasts continued foggy conditions for at least another week, increasing the risk to crops.
Haridwar district, encompassing 1.7 lakh hectares of cultivable land, has more than 5,000 hectares of mustard cultivation. Recent government data recorded 1,700 hectares of mustard cultivation this year, an increase from around 1,500 hectares last year. ” Mustard yield per hectare is around 11.6 quintals in Haridwar district,” said Vijay Deorari, the chief agriculture officer.
Meanwhile, meteorologists predict temperatures below 8 degrees celsius until February 4, with intermittent light rain expected. Alok Shukla, a meteorological observer, said, “The persistence of cold mornings will particularly affect agricultural activities.”
Farmers have also expressed concerns over the possible impact of cold weather conditions on crops. Deshram Saini, an 86-year-old farmer, said, “I have sown mustard crops on more than 70 bigha of land, and if the frost does not disappear in the coming days, my crops could be affected.”
Agricultural scientists highlight the risks posed by humidity during foggy conditions, leading to fungal infections like rust and blight and the infestation of aphid insects. Purushottam Kumar, officer-in-charge of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Dhanouri, a field unit of GB Pant Agriculture University, said, “The mustard crop is now in the grain-filling stage, and continuous frost could cause damage. While rain is anticipated early Feb, in its absence, farmers will resort to light irrigation in mustard fields and use smoke to disperse fog during the nights.
