Warmer winter could affect wheat crop

Winter months are getting more warmer than usual. The trend has started to affect the cultivation of wheat. Agro-meteorologists believe if the present weather conditions continue for a week, the wheat yield could decrease by 15-20 per cent. According to Aniruddha Dubey, agro-meteorologist at Chandra Shekher Azad (CSA) Agriculture University, the day temperature is seven degrees above normal and it is not suitable for wheat cultivation. He said that wheat irrigation requires a moderate temperatures of 20-23 degrees Celsius of maximum temperature and 4-5 degrees Celsius (minimum temperature). If the temperature exceeds this limit, the crop develops moisture which leads to early maturation. "High temperature and no rains make crop susceptible to moisture stress. It would lead to early ripening of the grains. Generally, wheat is planted November and December. If the existing temperature prolongs for a week, it can disturb the cycle of wheat which is still in the milking and flowering stage," Dubey added. UP is the largest wheat producer in India, providing 35% of total wheat production. This year, the target of wheat production is over 300 lakh tonnes. During 2009 and 2008, wheat production in the state stood at 275 lakh tonnes and 255 lakh tonnes respectively. The annual mean temperature of Kanpur region has increased by 3 degree Celsius in past three years. This year, from January 20 onwards, there has been a rise in the day and night temperatures. The day temperature has increased from 21 degrees Celsius to 28 degree Celsius in February, which is seven degrees more than the normal temperature (23 degree Celsius). Similarly, the night temperature has also increased from 5 degree Celsius to 10 degrees. Weather scientists say that the trend of variation in temperature is being observed since the past three years. From 2009, the trend has become apparent and it is evident that it is the impact of global warming that has made the winter months more warmer. However, from Monday morning the direction of the winds had changed. The westerly winds are now being taken over by easterly winds, which can lead to partial cloud coverage and two to three degrees decrease in day temperature in the coming days.