Recent Rain Increases Worries of Basmati Rice Growers in Punjab and Haryana
In last 48 hours, it was felt that scenario of previous
Rabi Season is recurring when farmers in many parts of north India had to face
untimely rainfall and hailstorm. The
distress of Basmati Rice farmers in Punjab and Haryana is intensified due to
scattered moderate rainfall over many districts accompanied strong winds in
some places on 21st and 22nd September in both the states. The crop is at maturity stage and this
rainfall will increase moisture content in grains. Winds have smashed standing
crop, especially fully matured crop, which would further deteriorate quality of
the grains. Lower market prices for
Basmati Rice vis-à-vis non-aromatic paddy has already created dilemma for
farmers.
We at WeatherSys monitor crop growth vis-à-vis the actual weather and
weather forecast on day to day basis. We also gather ground information on the
status of the crop and associated weather in major growing districts. In this report, we have collected ground
information of Basmati Rice crop status in several districts in Punjab and
Haryana.
In Patiala, the crop is at
maturity stage. The insect pattalbeth is
still persisting. However, its adverse effects have been reduced due to rain
and application of insecticides. Farmers are expecting lower yield this time as
compared to last year. Recent rainfall
has delayed the harvesting of Pusa 1509 for another 7 days. WeatherSys predicts
no rainfall during next seven days.
Graph produced by metGIS_Agro®
depicting ingestion of real time updated weather data with crop physiological
data and ideal weather requirements of the crop.
In Amritsar,
some farmers have already started harvesting Basmati Rice, especially Pusa 1509,
but it is interrupted by recent rainfall.
Production of Basmati Rice is expected to be lower as compared to last
year. Basmati Rice has started arriving in mandis. Prices for Pusa 1509 are ranging
from Rs. 900/qntl to Rs. 1200/qntl while non-basmati rice is fetching farmers around
Rs. 1400/qntl. As per meteogram, weather is likely to be hot and dry during
next seven days.
In Sonipat, the
effect of pattalbeth disease has become less because of use of appropriate pesticides
by farmers. Pusa 1509 is fully matured
and its harvesting has already started.
Currently it is fetching farmers Rs.1200 to Rs. 1300/qntl. Harvesting of Pusa 1121 is expected to
commence from October-end. The district
has received light rainfall on 20th September. Hot and dry weather
with clear sky is expected during next seven days.
Graph produced by metGIS_Agro®
depicting ingestion of real time updated weather data with crop physiological
data and ideal weather requirements of the crop.
In Sirsa, Pusa 1509 is at maturity stage and its harvesting would
start in next 10 to 15 days. Farmers are
expecting lower yield as compared to last year.
Effects of Pattalbeth disease has also reduced. The district has
received light rainfall during last 48 hrs. Weather is likely to be hot and dry
during next seven days.
In Karnal, the
crop is affected by Blight and Blast diseases. However, these diseases are in
control now as farmers have applied insecticides such as Tricyclazole which have
proved effective and rain has also helped the crop to overcome these two
diseases. Some farmers are expecting higher production as compared to last year
due to warm and humid weather. The district has received light to moderate
rainfall during last 72 hrs. As per
meteogram generated by using metGIS_Agro®, weather is likely to be hot and dry
during next seven days.
Graph produced by metGIS_Agro®
depicting ingestion of real time updated weather data with crop physiological
data and ideal weather requirements of the crop.
In Kurukshetra,
the crop is at maturity stage and some farmers have stated harvesting few days
ago. Luckily, they were able to save their crop from recent rainfall. However, some farmers who have not harvested
their crop have to wait at least for another week as moisture content of grain
has increased due to rain. Crops in some
places has been smashed due to rainfall with strong winds. The rate in the
mandis for Pusa 1509 is around Rs. 1200/qntl whereas it was around Rs.3000 to Rs.
4000 during two years ago. The district has received moderate rainfall during
last 48 hrs. WeatherSys predicts hot and
dry weather during next seven days.
For comprehensive report on other major Basmati Rice growing districts, please visit our website www.weatherindia.net
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