Bathinda/Sangrur:, March 17 -- A sudden dip in temperature following light rainfall reported in various districts of the south Malwa region over the last 24 hours has brought much relief to the wheat growers. State agricultural officials said on Monday that the cooler climate has revived hope of a good harvest of the main rabi crop, but windy conditions may spoil crop health in isolated spots. Information says that lodging of the wheat crop was reported at a few pockets, but the officials said overall there is no threat of crop loss in the region. Muktsar chief agriculture officer (CAO) Jagsir Singh said crop lodging occurred in a few fields due to winds that lashed the region on Sunday night and this morning. According to Bathinda CAO Harbans Singh Sidhu, no hailstorm was reported in the district and the change in weather will positively impact the crop. "Temperatures had risen to around 33degC during the last few days, which could have adversely affected wheat grain size. Rainfall has lowered the temperature significantly, which will lead to better grain development," he added. Moga CAO Gurpreet Singh said the district recorded 8 mm of rainfall, which was a blessing for the wheat crop. "There is a forecast for more light rains this week, and we expect cooler days for another fortnight. Temperature is conducive for wheat, which is entering the final stages of ripening before its harvesting begins in a month," he added. Meanwhile, Sunday's rainfall across parts of the state, including Sangrur, Patiala, Barnala, Abohar, Amritsar and Ludhiana, brought relief to some farmers while others feared crop loss due to gusty winds. Local farmer Ranjit Singh said that unseasonably high temperatures in February had caused the crop to turn yellow. Chief agriculture officer, Sangrur, Dharminderjit Singh, suggested that the cooler weather is generally a positive development. "The drop in temperature will benefit the wheat, as the crop is currently in its final graining stage," Singh stated. While he acknowledged that some crops had been flattened by the winds, he maintained that the overall cooling effect would prove beneficial for the grain quality. Karnal Rain and changing weather conditions will be beneficial for the wheat crop," said Wazir Singh, deputy director of agriculture, Karnal, after overnight light rain on Sunday-coupled with gusty winds and hailstorms-brought mercury levels back to normal. "Earlier, the wheat crop, particularly the late variety, was being impacted by a sudden rise in temperature. While lodging or flattening may have occurred in some areas, it is non-significant; overall, the rain will benefit the crop. We have advised farmers not to irrigate their fields for now," Singh added. Bahadur Mehla, a farmer from Baldi village, said, "In several areas, the standing wheat crop has completely flattened due to strong winds, rain, and hailstorms on Sunday night."...