Weather Conditions Turn Adverse for Rabi Crops

07-Apr-2026 08:27 PM

New Delhi. In line with the forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a spell of rain accompanied by strong winds commenced today—April 7—across various parts of Northwest India, leading to a drop in temperatures.

The impact of these storms and rains is being observed across a wide region, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and other neighboring states. Such weather conditions are detrimental to Rabi crops, particularly wheat. Delhi, too, has come under the grip of this adverse weather.

The wheat crop had already sustained damage from the storms and rains that occurred last week. The assessment of that damage had not even been completed when fresh damage to the crops began to occur. The Meteorological Department has indicated that the spell of storms and rains is likely to persist until April 10, a situation that could further exacerbate the threat to the crops.

Due to the storms and rains, the harvesting and preparation of the new wheat crop in Punjab and Haryana have been severely disrupted, while the pace of these operations remains sluggish in other states as well.

While the storms and rains are expected to result in only a limited decline in overall wheat production, there are grave apprehensions that the quality of the grain itself will be severely compromised.

Furthermore, the harvesting and post-harvest processing of the crop will face delays. The wheat harvested under these conditions will contain excessive moisture levels, and the lack of adequate sunlight will make the drying process extremely difficult.

Wheat with high moisture content will not be accepted for government procurement, while in the open markets, attempts are likely to be made to purchase it at distressingly low prices. In addition to wheat, crops such as barley, gram (chana), and mustard are also susceptible to the adverse effects of these natural calamities.