Winter rains, though delayed, are expected to bring significant benefits to Rabi crops, especially wheat and mustard. Despite the late arrival of the rains, their volume and extended coverage will provide much-needed relief to crops in northwestern and central India.

The Meteorological Department has indicated that the rain, along with occasional hailstorms, will continue through December 27-28 and will provide essential moisture to crops, especially after a dry period in October-November that hindered sowing.

The rains will be particularly beneficial for wheat, whose cultivation area has increased significantly this year, though mustard area has lagged behind. These rains will reduce the need for irrigation, which will be a huge relief for farmers, especially wheat producers.

However, agricultural experts warn that dense fog could harm crops, although the limited hailstorm damage in areas like Western Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh, and Haryana suggests that most crops will remain unharmed.

The favorable weather conditions are expected to speed up the growth of Rabi crops and potentially lead to higher yields, particularly for wheat, which is the primary food grain of the Rabi season. If the weather continues to be favorable in the coming weeks, a good harvest is anticipated.