Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has issued an urgent harvest advisory urging farmers to promptly harvest fruits and vegetables in view of forecast rainfall across several parts of the state. The advisory aims to help growers minimise potential losses and protect crop quality during the critical harvesting window.
According to PAU experts, unseasonal or heavy rainfall during the maturity and harvest stages can adversely affect both yield and market value of horticultural crops. Excess moisture often leads to physical damage, fungal infections, reduced shelf life, and post-harvest losses, particularly in vegetables and perishable fruits. By harvesting crops at the right time, farmers can significantly reduce these risks and ensure better returns.
The advisory reflects PAU’s proactive approach to climate-responsive agricultural extension, where real-time weather assessments are integrated with farm-level guidance. Scientists have emphasised that timely harvesting, proper grading, and safe storage are essential steps to safeguard produce during periods of weather uncertainty.
This development also highlights the broader challenge of climate variability faced by farmers in India’s major horticultural belts. Erratic rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and extreme weather events are increasingly influencing crop planning and harvest decisions. In this context, advisories from agricultural universities and research institutions are becoming vital tools for risk management at the farm level.
By issuing early warnings and practical recommendations, PAU continues to play a key role in supporting farmers with science-based guidance. Experts believe that strengthening such advisory systems, combined with improved access to weather forecasts and post-harvest infrastructure, will be crucial in enhancing the resilience of India’s horticulture sector in the years ahead.
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