Rain, Hail Risk Raises Concerns for Wheat, Mustard Farmers in Rajasthan

The weather in Rajasthan has once again taken a turn. While the bright sun and dry winds troubled people during February and early March, the western disturbances occurring in northwest India have completely changed the weather. During the past few days, rain, thunderstorms, and winds have continued. It has surely cooled down the weather, but the problems of farmers are also increasing.

The western disturbances that have been continuously occurring since March 12th have caused a decline in the temperature. While this has cooled down the weather and has brought relief to people, the ripe Rabi crops like wheat and mustard standing in the fields are at a greater risk of being damaged by the occurrence of unseasonal rains and hail storms.

The effects of light rain were felt in the last 24 hours. Kota was the hottest city in the state, with a maximum temperature of 38.9 degrees Celsius. Sirohi recorded a minimum temperature of 17.6 degrees Celsius, making it relatively cool. Temperatures also fell below normal in other major cities, including Jaipur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Udaipur.

According to the Meteorological Center, Jaipur, a new western disturbance will be active between March 28 and 30. As a result, thunderstorms and rain are likely in many parts of the state. According to the Meteorological Department's forecast, thunderstorms and light rain may occur in the afternoon of March 28 in Jodhpur, Bikaner division, and the Shekhawati region. Meanwhile, from March 29th to 30th, strong winds of up to 40 to 50 km per hour and light to moderate rain are expected in Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Jaipur, Bharatpur, Udaipur, and Kota divisions.

While this milder weather has brought relief from the heat, it has also made farming more challenging. The weather conditions in the coming days will determine the condition of crops.