Frost threatens crops as state faces severe cold wave conditions
Haryana experienced a severe cold wave on Wednesday, with minimum temperatures dipping below 2°C in several parts of the state. This sharp decline has raised alarms among farmers, as crops like potatoes, mustard and winter vegetables are vulnerable to frost damage. While the cold is beneficial for wheat crop, experts warn of significant risks to other crops.
Dr Virender Lather, former principal scientist at the Indian Agriculture Research Institute, highlighted the dual impact of the weather. “A sudden winter chill will help in tillering of wheat, which will ultimately increase production. However, the sudden change in climate is detrimental to vegetable, mustard and sugarcane crops. Farmers are advised to apply light irrigation to minimise the adverse effects of frost,” he said, urging farmers to stay vigilant.
Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA), echoed these concerns, stating that while the weather favours wheat, it could harm vegetable and mustard crops at this stage. He also recommended light irrigation to mitigate frost damage.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the state’s average minimum temperature fell by 1.5°C compared to Tuesday and remains 3.4°C below normal. Balasmand in Hisar and Sonepat recorded the lowest temperatures at 1.5°C.
The minimum temperature recorded at Ambala was (7.7°C), Hisar (3.3°C), Karnal (4.8°C), Bhiwani (3.8°C), Mahendragarh (1.9°C), Sirsa (3.7°C), Fatehabad (8.2°C) and Gurugram (6.2°C).
The IMD forecast has suggested that dry weather conditions will persist, with the possibility of further frost affecting other regions in the coming days.
