This could have further impact on the ready-to-be-harvested crops which have already suffered considerable damages due to the relentless rains in March. The harvest of the standing wheat crop could get delayed due to the rains.
“Overall, rainfall activity is likely to be above normal over south Peninsular and central India and below normal over rest parts of the country,” the met said in its forecast for weather between April 6-12 while between March 30 and April 6, scattered rainfall is expected over Central India, North-West and East India in various days.
Separately, the Chairman of Food Corporation of India (FCI), Ashok K Meena, told reporters that the agency is on track to achieve the targeted 34 million tonnes of procurement in FY24 on the back of a strong start to the purchase season from Madhya Pradesh.
“As of now the ground situation is that at best the loss due to recent rains and hailstorm in wheat growing areas is not more than three percent but despite that we are totally on track to reach the estimated 112 million tonnes of production in Fy-24,” Singh had told Business Standard.
IIWBR is among the country’s foremost centres for research and crop development on wheat and regularly tracks the crop progress from its main production zones.
“I’m worried about the next round of rains and hailstorm predicted for March 29 and 30and am praying to the God that it should not be harsh on the farmers,” Singh had said.
How far and how much with the next round of rains impact the standing crop is under realm of speculation.