Farmers in the region are worried about the rising temperatures in March, fearing it may cast a shadow over the standing wheat crop.Farmer union leaders said they were receiving regular feedback from the ground that temperatures, currently 5-6 degrees above normal, could impact the yield. They explained that excessive heat causes the wheat grain to shrink.They disagreed with alleged statements made by government agencies claiming that the rising temperatures would not affect the standing crops.Talking to The Tribune, Raghbir Singh Benipal, organising secretary of the Jamhuri Kisan Morcha said March had been unusually warm this year. “We must understand that the wheat requires favourable temperature. Excessive heat will affect the crop,” he added.Benipal said both the minimum and maximum temperatures were witnessing an increase of about 5-6 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature was recorded at 31.4°C, about 6 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature stood at 16.4°C, about 5.5 degrees above normal.Raising concern, another farmer leader from the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, Tarsem Jodhan said, “Yesterday, there was rain accompanied by high-velocity winds in some areas near Amritsar. Farmers are worried as the crop has fallen flat in a few places. Sudden changes in weather conditions can harm the crop,” he added.Dr MS Bhullar, director of PAU Extension Education cautioned that under the prevailing weather conditions, wheat grains are likely to shrivel, leading to yield losses.PK Kingra, head of the Meteorological Department, said farmers had been advised to opt for light irrigation in view of the prevailing weather conditions. Kingra said a western disturbance is likely in the coming days, with chances of rain from March 14 to 16 and March 18 to 20