Centre To Set Up Panel To Protect Wheat From Heat Waves

The Centre has agreed to set up a commission to address the threats that heat waves bring to India's winter wheat harvest, according to media reports.

The panel's collaboration with representatives from many departments and ministries has already begun. They are currently working with states to make sure there is enough water available from sources like dams and reservoirs to feed canals for protective irrigation. In order for farmers to use pumps, supply lines for cheap diesel must be checked by officials, and a reliable power supply must be maintained.

According to the report, farmers are being advised by animal husbandry department experts on how to prevent heat stroke in both themselves and their cattle. Farmers are being asked to support their cattle with wet hay shades and "desert coolers," motorised fans that disperse mist, while also increasing water intake.

When temperatures climbed to record highs in March of previous year, a same disastrous heat spell occurred. Due to the country's output decreasing by 2.5 per cent, this had an impact on wheat yields and sparked a crisis-like situation. India subsequently forbade the export of wheat in May 2022.

The government has now formally predicted that this year's wheat crop would be the greatest ever with 112 million tonnes.