The Hindu : National : Damage to wheat crop “localised”

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Wednesday, Apr 09, 2008
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Damage to wheat crop “localised”

Gargi Parsai

NEW DELHI: Union Agriculture Ministry officials on Tuesday heaved a sigh of relief as reports from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh indicated that the damage to the wheat crop from rain and hailstorm was “localised” and would not have an impact on the overall wheat production estimates.

Speaking to The Hindu, Agriculture Secretary P.K. Mishra said, “We have gathered reports. Wherever there was hailstorm and lodging of wheat crop, there has been some damage. However, this damage is localised and in a limited area, compared to the total area under rabi wheat. This will not impact our production estimates.”

Mr. Mishra said the initial estimate of achieving 74.81 million tonnes of wheat production remained unchanged till the third revised rabi estimates, which will be done by the middle of the month.

Punjab had reported damage in 30,000 hectares, while in Haryana there was lodging in some pockets. This sporadic damage would, however, be offset by the late sown wheat crop in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar where the rain did good. Wherever there are late sown varieties, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the rain and moisture will help the “green crop,” he said.

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