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Hailstorms affect wheat production

NEW DELHI: Hailstorms in some parts of Haryana have upset hopes for increasing the wheat output estimates from 72.5 million tonnes this year, following the recent good rains that brought relief to the wheat growing states in the country.

Standing crops equivalent to about 61,000 tonnes have been affected by the hailstorm in Rohtak district of Haryana out of which around 35,000 tonnes equivalent are feared to be badly damaged.

Overall, the rains would benefit the wheat variety PBW-343 occupying 30 per cent of the crop area covering about 7 million hectares.

These crops are at the reproductive stage and the vital watering at this point of time is expected to help in higher productivity.

``It seems to be a mixed result after the hailstorms in Rohtak though the good rains will bring cheer to wheat growers in North India,'' a leading trader D P Singh said.

Recent unseasonal rains following western disturbances brought hopes of a better wheat production in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

According to experts, the wheat crops badly needed water due to warmer temperature and the rains would help in this direction, thereby raising prospects of a higher wheat output.

``Our wheat crop needed water very badly. The rains are good for wheat crop and we expect a better yield'', a noted expert and a former Special Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research M V Rao said.

According to experts, heavy hailstorms could damage the effected crop by about 60 per cent though a lower intensity would cause less damage.

The draining of water from the wheat crops would also be a factor for higher productivity and the quicker it drains out, the better it is.

Rao, felt it is necessary for the water accumulated due to the late rains to drain out fast to ensure higher moisture content in the farm land.

A Principal Scientist with the ICAR, S S Singh, however, sought to allay fears of drainage problem.

The wheat crop for this season is estimated to be 72.5 million tonnes, a marginal increase over last year's production of 69.5 million tonnes. - PTI

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