Punjab: Farmers and agricultural experts are optimistic that the arrival of wheat in the mandis (grain markets) will commence around Baisakhi, as the prevailing weather conditions remain largely favorable for the crop. Baljit Singh, a wheat farmer from Gurusar village, stated that recent rainfall has helped improve the quality of the grain. He remarked, “Previously, temperatures were rising, and the crop would have reached the verge of harvest by now—a scenario that typically results in smaller grain size. However, the rain has proven beneficial for the wheat crop. If temperatures remain within the normal range over the coming days, the harvest will take place around Baisakhi. While some private weather forecasting apps are predicting rain over the next few days, it is expected to be moderate.” Similarly, Sukhjinder Singh, the Agriculture Development Officer (Plant Protection) for Muktsar, noted that there are no indications of any delays in the harvest. He stated, “The crop is in good condition and is expected to start arriving in the mandis around Baisakhi.
The average yield is also expected to remain within the normal range. Current daytime temperatures are hovering around 30–32 degrees Celsius—which is ideal for this stage of growth—while nighttime temperatures remain within the optimal range of 12–15 degrees Celsius. The recent rainfall has also proven advantageous.” Jagseer Singh, the Chief Agriculture Officer for Muktsar, affirmed that the crop is generally in good health; however, he noted that fields where the crop has flattened due to recent rains may present some difficulties during the harvest. He explained, “This issue is not confined to any specific locality. Such difficulties have been observed in certain pockets within the Gidderbaha area, as well as in fields that were irrigated just prior to the rainfall.” Officials reported that during the current season, wheat has been sown across more than 216,000 hectares of land in the Muktsar district. The wheat procurement season officially begins on April 1st. Approximately 13.2 million tonnes of wheat are expected to be procured across the state this season, with the Minimum Support Price (MSP) fixed at ₹2,585 per quintal.
