Barwani (Madhya Pradesh): Halfway into February and the month has already broken several temperature records. Latest data shows that daytime highs reaching 32 degrees Celsius and night time lows between 10 to 14 degrees.
This significant temperature shift has led to the disappearance of cold weather effects typically seen during this time of the year. Farmers were concerned about the impact on their wheat and gram crops.
The excessive heat has resulted in yellowing of gram plants and increased susceptibility to viruses which lead to premature ripening. Farmers Devendra Yadav said that their crops failed to reach production conditions, forcing them to clear fields using rotavators and prepare for alternative planting.
Another farmer Gopal Sitaram Patidar said that his gram crop initially thrived but later succumbed to the heat, prompting him to switch to melon cultivation.
Experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendra warned that the ongoing warm weather could lead to further crop failures, as the wheat and gram varieties require cooler conditions to thrive. With no immediate relief in sight, farmers are urged to adopt preventive measures against diseases like wilt.
