India Braces for Chilly January, Boosting Winter Crop Prospects
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India is in for a chilly winter, with forecasters predicting below-average temperatures in January, a welcome respite for farmers who cultivate key winter crops such as wheat, rapeseed, and chickpeas. According to the India Meteorological Department, the country can expect an above-average number of cold-wave days, particularly in central and eastern regions. The good news for farmers is that the cold weather conditions are crucial for the optimal growth and maturity of winter crops. In the past, above-normal temperatures in January and February have negatively impacted yields. However, this year, minimum temperatures are expected to stay below average, except in some areas of the northwest and northeast. Farmers have already planted winter crops on 61.4 million hectares, a 1.1% increase from last year. If the temperatures remain normal to below normal, experts predict a bumper harvest for wheat and rapeseed growers. 'Temperatures have been conducive to crop growth so far, and if they continue to be normal to below normal, we can certainly expect a good harvest,' said a Mumbai-based dealer. While the weather forecast is a welcome relief for farmers, the northern and northwestern states are expected to receive below-average rainfall during January to March. The forecast is a mixed bag for the country's agricultural sector, with the cold weather promising a better harvest, but the dry spell in the north posing a challenge.
