Light showers broke the dry winter spell in Jammu and surrounding areas once again bringing in the feel of winter after a sunny Thursday. The skies remained overcast later in the day also. The drizzle however has been able to break the prevailing dry spell in the region. The late beginning of the winter had given concerns to farmers in particular and people in general. If the farmer was worried about his crop common man has been worried about happening on price front of essential commodities. A brief spell of cold did come but then again temperature shot up. High temperatures can affect the tilling process and if the weather turns suitable, it could compensate any yield loss. But the prospects have brighten with foggy conditions at ground level which may give the much needed moisture to the ground. The continuing dry spell threatens wheat harvest. The much expected rains have remained away with minimum temperature at most places in Kashmir staying above freezing point. Though the second week of December did bring some rains and snowfall which helped in ending a prolonged dry spell in the Valley more rain or snow is needed to meet the farmers’ need. Not only this the truant weather has enlarged the fear of a summer drought looming large with water bodies receiving no rain or snow at upper reaches of Himalayas. The inclement weather has continued to wreak havoc on train and air traffic in the northern part of the country for more than two weeks. Rains, however, were said to be good for agriculture. The rainfall will boost Rabi crop, also known as winter crops, which include wheat, barley, mustard, sesame and peas. These crops were sown in December and at present in vegetative or pre-flowering stage. Watering at this point of time is very good for them, particularly the drizzle which gives enough time to soil to absorb the water.
