Return of winter chill may benefit wheat crop

Market prices ruling above MSP

- SANJEEB MUKHERJEE

Wheat production during the current season is expected to be better than last year provided the weather remains favourable over the next few weeks, said senior industry executives. The weather had turned uncharacteristically hot in the latter half of last month, but owing to strong winds, the chill has returned in the last few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its latest update, said strong surface winds (25-35 to 45 km per hour) are likely over the plains of northwest India, including Delhi, during the next 24 hours. Also, there may be scattered light-to-moderate rain or snowfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh during March 9-11.

"This (snowfall in the hills) should have an impact on the plains as well," an official said.