Due to the unprecedented increase in temperatures in March, the wheat yield has been reduced by 5 to 7 quintals per hectare. Efforts are on to make farmers aware of water conservation techniques and water saving programmes are being introduced. To encourage plantation, officials are also guiding farmers regarding agro forestry. — Surinder Singh, District Agricultural Officer

District Agricultural Officer Surinder Singh said: “Due to the unprecedented increase in temperatures in March, the wheat yield has been reduced by 5 to 7 quintals per hectare. The weather has greatly impacted farmers and the yield. However, efforts are on to make farmers aware of water conservation techniques and water saving programmes are being introduced. To encourage plantation, officials are also guiding farmers regarding agro forestry. The weather is not just a Punjab phenomenon but a countrywide phenomenon and we can’’’’t control it, but means of increasing water saving, diversification and agroforestry will at least insulate some villages. Already villages which have much voluntary plantation and better green cover have a 2 to 3°C difference in temperature from other villages.”

Shivinder Singh, scientist, Meteorological Department, Chandigarh, said, “It was the hottest March in many years and the prediction for the coming months of summer is also the same. It will be hotter than normal. The directives are already being released from our department. While the monsoons are expected to be normal this year, the summer temperatures are likely to be above normal.”