PAU Weather Expert predicts occurrence of frost in coming days, asks farmers to take care of crop health

Ludhiana, January 12, 2024: In the light of the entire region blanketed with the fog, the experts of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have advised the farmers of the state to take utmost care of their crops in this bone-chilling winter.

While revealing the weather observations, Dr Pavneet Kaur Khingra, Professor and Head, Department of Climate Change and Agricultural Meteorology, PAU, said, “As the minimum temperature is being observed around 4oC or even lower at many locations in the state, there are chances of occurrence of frost in the coming days.” 

“This may have harmful effect on some of the field crops, orchards and vegetable crops, etc. However, vegetables and newly planted orchards are more vulnerable to such incidences of frost,” she warned.

Asking the farmers to be careful under such circumstances, Dr Khingra advised keeping these crops hydrated by providing light irrigation to moderate the microclimate. The crop health should also be taken care of with balanced use of nutrients, she told. Application of mulches and protection barriers on North-West direction are also effective for protection from frost, especially, the tender vegetable crops and fruits, she added. 

Dr Khingra impressed upon the farmers to make regular visits to their fields and follow the above mentioned measures for protecting the crops from frost.