Rains return the cold, worrying Chamba’s wheat farmers

Farmers in low-lying regions, who were preparing to harvest the wheat crop, are anxious about the temperature drop caused by the last two days’ intermittent rain and snowfall in the upper levels of Chamba district.

The district has seen a decrease in the lowest temperature of 2-3°C and a decrease in the maximum temperature of over 6°C.

Residents have thrown aside their warm apparel in preparation for the impending cold due to the sudden shift in the weather. The Meteorological Department has predicted a period of rainy weather until April 24.

Although the heat has subsided due to the rains, farmers in the plain regions, particularly in the Chowari subdivision, are under pressure since their wheat crop is almost ready for harvest. Some farmers have already started harvesting their crops, although they might be harmed by the severe rainfall that follows the downpour.

Though concerns about losses notwithstanding, medium- to high altitude regions like as Bharmour, Pangi, Salooni, Churah, Khajjiar, Dalhousie, and the Himgiri highlands benefit from the rains for their fruit harvests and orchards. Nevertheless, since hailstorms have the potential to seriously harm crops, farmers and orchard owners continue to be cautious.

The Chamba district is home to over 19,000 hectares of wheat production, with an anticipated output of 35–37 metric tons per hectare, according to the Agriculture Department. 36,000 metric tons of wheat were produced in the area last year. But this time, the drought in December and January caused agricultural losses that exceeded Rs 15 crore. The recent downpour has provided some relief and rekindled optimism for a bountiful crop.

Aside from this, the Chamba region cultivates apples on 11,000 hectares, with a potential yearly yield of about 31,000 metric tons. While fruit crops benefit from timely snowfall and rainfall, other crops are seriously at danger from hailstorms and heavy precipitation.

While rain helped crops develop, Kuldeep Dhiman, Deputy Director (Agriculture), pointed out that prolonged precipitation, particularly when combined with hailstorms, harmed mature crops. He emphasized the need of balanced meteorological conditions for agricultural output.

Farmers are keeping a careful eye on the situation in order to take corrective action and minimize losses as the area gets ready for further rain.