Chill eases slightly; crops see losses & gains

Patna: The persistent fog and cold weather across the state are a boon for two major crops, wheat and mustard, while it is endangering the output of potato cultivation, said agronomists and farmers.They said that more than one week of chill poses a significant threat to potato production.Potato, one of the highest-yielding crops in the state, are particularly vulnerable to late blight, locally known as “jhulsa rog”, they said. This fungal threat is most prominent in northern Bihar, where temperatures drop rapidly.Dinesh Rai, associate professor of pathology at Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Pusa, said, “Jhulsa rog is triggered by the high moisture and humidity found during dense fog.

While this disease is harmful for the crop, it can be prevented through regular light irrigation and the occasional application of fungicides.”The economic stakes are particularly high in districts like Katihar and Purnia, where a significant amount of potato is grown.R K Sohane, a senior professor at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour, said, “Late blight can cause potato yield loss of up to 50% in the two districts, besides other parts of the state.”

However, Sohane said there were no reported cases of blight hindering yields this season yet. He said the cold is also aiding growth of other crops. “The chill improves protein content of wheat and its processing quality. Furthermore, biting cold helps reduce the survival of insects and pathogens, lowering pest pressure for the next growing season.”“Low temperatures significantly hinder the growth of tomatoes and other vegetables by reducing photosynthesis and delaying flowering, which leads to poor quality and reduced yields,” Sohane added.

To manage these risks, experts recommend using disease-free seeds, burning infected debris, and applying fungicides like Mancozeb.R K Tiwari, senior scientist and head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Birauli, Samastipur, gave the break-up of potential earnings. “A good season can produce 50 quintals of wheat per hectare. With a minimum support price of Rs2,200 per quintal and cultivation costs around Rs40,000 to 45,000, a farmer can net up to Rs60,000 per hectare,” he said.The outlook for potatoes is more volatile. Tiwari added, “One hectare can yield 25 tonnes of potatoes. However, if blight strikes, yields can plummet by up to 80%, and earnings may drop by 60%.”Mukesh Kumar, professor of agronomy at RPCAU, said, “In general, fog is helpful for up to one week; anything beyond that hampers growth and yield.” He added that if the current temperatures continue without the fog, it will be highly beneficial, especially since winter arrived early this year.