India recorded its warmest February in 124 years, and the India Meteorological Department has warned of above-normal temperatures and more heat waves in March. This coincides with the wheat harvest season, threatening the country’s second-most consumed crop.

BulletsIn

• India experienced its warmest February in 124 years, marking a significant rise in temperatures.
• The India Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal temperatures for March, along with increased heatwave days.
• The heatwave coincides with India’s wheat harvest season, increasing the risks for wheat crops.
• Wheat is primarily grown in the northwestern Indo-Gangetic plains, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.
• The crop requires a cooler season to grow and is usually sown between October and December.
• Wheat is harvested between February and April during the rabi crop season.
• Extreme heat during the harvest period can severely damage wheat yields, affecting food production.
• Climate change is altering traditional crop growth patterns and threatening India’s agricultural stability.
• Farmers may face reduced income and food security issues due to crop failure and low yields.
• The government and agricultural experts are raising concerns about adapting to changing climatic conditions to protect crops.