April 20, 2011
 

Pakistani wheat crop may be destroyed by persistent rains

In spite of having fears that recent rains may destroy wheat crops, agriculture scientists believe that short spell of rains would not have any harmful effects on wheat crops; however, persistent rains could damage the harvest.

"The recent rains will not adversely impact on overall wheat productivity, but if these rains continue for some days, the crop could be damaged, an agriculture expert at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture said.

On the other hand, the meteorological department reported Monday (Apr 18) that east and south of the country started to clear, hence, farmers could start harvesting the crops.

However, it predicted rains in Rawalpindi, Lahore, Islamabad, Kashmir and the plain and higher altitude areas of the country, where wheat harvesting has not been started properly.

The agriculture expert said that when rains continue for days, the water accumulates in the fields and results in crop damage. On a query about wheat harvesting, the official said that harvesting has not started in major parts of Punjab as the farmers have been suggested by the Provincial Agriculture Department to harvest the crops when it is fully ripe.

"So there is no question of rains creating hurdle in harvesting in the province," he maintained. It is pertinent to note here that over 24 million tonnes bumper wheat crop are expected during the current season. The wheat crop harvesting is in full swing in Sindh province while it has started in parts of Punjab.

The government has already made all arrangements to procure wheat on official fixed rates of PKR950 (US$11.25) per 40 kilogrammes to facilitate growers for better return of their produce.