Hailstorm hits wheat crop; rains good for rabi crop

Rains accompanied by hailstorms are feared to have hit the wheat crop over 4,000 acres of land in a few areas of Punjab but experts feel downpour is beneficial for winter crop in improving crop's productivity.

We have come to know that hailstorm in few areas of Punjab including Dhuri in Sangrur and Morinda have hit wheat crop over 3000-4000 acres of land, Punjab Agriculture, Director, BS Sidhu told PTI today.

The official said he had ordered for conducting a survey of affected areas to assess the extent of the crop damage.

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) experts said widespread rains at this point were beneficial for crop growth but hailstorm would completely damage early sown wheat crop.

Rains are beneficial for wheat crop which is at heading stage (post tillering stage). The rainfall will help improving crop yield," PAU, Wheat Incharge, Indu Sharma said.

(Source: http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/current-affairs/hailstorm-hits-wheat-crop-rains-good-for-rabi-crop_524084.html)