Delayed winter rain may bring relief to rabi crops

Delhi and its adjoining northern and central parts of the country woke up to a cold and wet day on Friday as the whole region experienced a long-awaited wet spell in December this year.

- SANJEEB MUKHERJEE

The mild-to-moderate rain, accompanied by slow winds, pulled the chill up by a few notches. However, the rain could come as a boon for the standing rabi crop, particularly wheat and mustard, that has been seeing a long dry spell since October.

Rabi crops are sown in the winter months, typically between October and December, and harvested in the spring, between April and June.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the widespread rains are likely to continue on Saturday as well.