Kolkata: The short-term cloud cover and low-sunlight span of less than five days were unlikely to affect agri-production in Bengal, said agriculture experts.
Over the past few days, multiple districts of Bengal have been witness to fog—dense at some places—in the morning, and a cloud cover at a low level, keeping the sun at bay. According to experts, sustained cloud cover significantly reduced the amount of sunlight reaching crops, hindering photosynthesis and leading to slower plant growth, smaller yields and potentially, lower quality crops. The inadequate light hinders proper development, especially during critical flowering and fruiting stages. As a result, experts said, farmers might have to go in for supplemental lighting in greenhouses in regions with persistent cloud cover. Clouds can also act as a temperature regulator, potentially impacting seed-germination and plant growth, depending on the climate. Cloud cover can influence evapotranspiration rates, potentially affecting irrigation requirements.
But, the experts pointed out, the current condition—three days of cloud cover, followed by sunlight—would not hinder productivity.