How have recent weather events affected the wheat crop?

Source: The post is based on the article “How have recent weather events affected the wheat crop?” published in The Hindu on 11th April 2023

What is the News?

The unusual rise in heat in February this year followed by an untimely spell of widespread rain during the month of March in parts of the country’s key grain-producing States have left wheat-growing farmers worried.

About Wheat Cultivation in India

Wheat cultivation in India has traditionally been dominated by the northern region of India.

India produces around 107.59 Million MT of wheat annually with a major chunk of it going towards domestic consumption. 

Major wheat-growing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Gujarat.

India is the second largest producer of wheat with a share of around 14.14% of world total production in 2020.

India accounts for even less than one per cent of world wheat export. However, its share has increased from 0.14% in 2016 to 0.54% in 2020.

Will the rain affect wheat yields?

Wheat is sensitive to both heat stress and rain/ thunderstorms during the terminal grain filling and ripening period. This is the time when the crop’s earheads are heavy with grains. 

The more weight accumulated from grain-filling, the more vulnerable is the crop to rain. These, when accompanied by high-velocity winds, make the stems prone to “lodging” or bending and even falling flat on the ground.

What are agri experts saying on this?

If the country’s wheat production drops below the government estimate it could lead to a hike in prices of wheat and wheat-based products in the domestic market. Any decline in wheat production can also lead to a potential foodgrain security issue.