India: It’s raining worries for farmers after change in weather

The sudden chill and late night showers on Monday has most farmers a little worried, except for those who have gone for late sowing of wheat and gram. While the unseasonal rains may have kept the oncoming summer at bay, the sudden change in weather has seen health complaints rise, while in rural areas, mango farmers are keeping a close watch on the skies, fearing damage to their crops.

Due to low pressure in the Arabian Sea, parts of Gujarat witnessed sudden showers and cloudy days. In Vadodara district, there were rain showers in Waghodia, Vadodara and Karjan talukas, while Bharuch district also witnessed late night rain, accompanied by lightning and thunder on Monday.

According to Anand Agriculture University (AAU) authorities, the rains and sudden fall in mercury at this stage could help wheat and gram farmers, especially if the crops have been sown late and are at the grain-filling stage. “In fact, the moisture will be beneficial for the crop, particularly in the case of wheat, but it is no good for sugarcane farmers,” said Prof M C Varshneya, AAU vice-chancellor.

Meanwhile, the mango farmers are keeping a wary eye on the clouds, as the trees have begun to flower now. The mango farmers believe that if the climate persists, more so if its rains it could adversely affect the flowering, Even in 2006, unseasonal showers in February had adversely affected the mango crop, especially the Kesar variety, as the flowers had fallen off in the rain.

Even as the weather change does not brook well for farmers, it has left many people complaining of health problems, like colds, body aches and also aggravating arthritic pain, said city doctors.

Source: cities.expressindia.com