Farmers across Jaisalmer district raised alarms on Monday morning. They spotted a thick layer of frost covering their fields. This icy blanket appeared in key agricultural areas like Ramgarh, Mohangarh, Chandan, Lathi, and Keeta. These villages sit along the Indira Gandhi canal.
Crops Suffer Direct Damage
The frost caused immediate problems for mustard plants. Farmers explained the severe cold made water freeze right inside the mustard pods. This freezing action stopped seeds from forming properly. In many cases, the seeds that did develop turned black and remained unusually small. These damaged seeds are essentially worthless for the upcoming harvest.
Cumin Also at Risk
Cumin crops faced a similar threat. The frost hit plants that were in their early, vulnerable stages of growth. Farmers fear this will stunt the plants and drastically cut down the final yield. The combined damage to these two major cash crops has sparked serious concern in the farming community.
Jaisalmer Becomes a 'Cold Chamber'
Weather experts described a grim situation. They said Jaisalmer has effectively turned into a "cold chamber." This intense cold wave gripped the district for the fourth day in a row on Monday. Frost formed not just on crops, but on various surfaces throughout rural areas.
The cold is so severe it is hurting more than just crops. Livestock owners and cattle herders are also struggling. They find it difficult to protect their animals from the biting temperatures.
No Immediate Relief in Sight
Meteorological officials issued a yellow alert for cold conditions in Jaisalmer for Monday. This warning signals continued dangerous weather. Experts predict the freezing temperatures will persist for the next several days. They indicate that significant relief from the cold wave may only arrive after January 14th or 15th.
With the cold set to continue, farmers wait anxiously. They worry about the long-term impact on their mustard and cumin production. The frost has already inflicted visible harm, and the extended cold threatens to make the losses even worse.
