Cold & fog take toll on rabi crops in Bihar, wheat escapes unscathed

In January 2024, a long period of cold and foggy weather in Bihar affected the growth of Rabi crops like potatoes, mustard, and lentils. Farmers and scientists are worried that this weather could reduce the amount of these crops produced.

Agriculture experts deem the cold wave and intense fog across the northern states beneficial for the rabi crops, especially the main cereal, wheat. They have, however, advised farmers to protect oilseeds and vegetable crops against possible damage from frost that might occur when the fog lifts.

However, wheat, which is a major Rabi crop in Bihar, wasn’t harmed by the cold and fog. In fact, this type of weather is good for wheat, so scientists are expecting a lot of wheat to be harvested.

Cold & fog take toll on rabi crops

Scientists at different Krishi Vigayan Kendras (KVKs) told Down to Earth that the cold weather has damaged the Rabi crops. They found that the potato crop in Rohtas district was the most affected, with an estimated 20 to 25% of the crop damaged. More than 10% of the mustard crop was also damaged. Luckily, the wheat crops weren’t harmed.

The scientists explained that sowing the crops early is important for a good harvest. If the crops are sown late, they are more likely to be damaged by long periods of cold and fog.

Potatoes, mustard, and lentils were all damaged by the cold and fog. The amount of damage depended on when the crops were sown. Crops that were sown late were more damaged than those sown early.

Farmers usually harvest paddy until December and then start sowing Rabi crops in mid-December or early January. This means the crops are exposed to the cold weather, which can damage them.

Officials from the agriculture department said that potatoes and mustard were the most damaged by the cold and fog, followed by lentils. However, there were no significant reports of damage to wheat crops.

The agriculture department has asked all district agriculture officers to report on the damage to the Rabi crops caused by the harsh winter.

Farmers growing potatoes are dealing with a common problem called Jhulsa Rog, which is caused by low temperatures. This problem has been made worse by the extended cold spell and reduced sunshine.

Cold weather threatens crops, farmers adapt

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the cold weather in Punjab, Haryana, northern Rajasthan and nearby areas will continue for the next two days. They also expect dense fog across the Indo-Gangetic plains during this time. The cold weather might start to lessen after that, according to IMD’s medium-term weather forecast.

However, agriculture experts are worried about the future of other winter crops. They fear that if the cold weather continues for a long time and the night temperature drops further, the crops could be damaged. The crops also need sunlight to grow properly.

Gill mentioned that some mustard crops in Punjab have been damaged by frost. So, farmers have been advised to lightly water their oilseed, sugarcane, and potato crops to protect them from the harmful effects of frost.

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