Nature’s blessing: First winter rainfall hits Punjab

BAHAWALPUR: Different districts of Punjab received first winter rainfall on Tuesday. Media reports stated the rain spell lashed Chichawatni, Okara, Vehari, Layyah, Multan, Jhang, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan.

The Met office officials predicted that isolated rain- thunderstorm was expected in Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur and Sahiwal divisions during the next 12 hours. Moreover, dense foggy/smoggy conditions were expected in plain areas of Punjab, Met officials said.



Meanwhile, the first spell of rains will bring about positive impact on all Rabi crops, fruit orchards, vegetable farms, pulses and would help boost their sowing.

It will also help in enhancing their production during the season. The rains would be most beneficial for wheat, which is major cash crop of the season and a vital source of staple food to fulfill the domestic food requirements, Food Security Commissioner Dr Imtiaz Ahmad Gopang said.

He added the current rain spell would put positive impact on the seasonal pulses cultivated over thousand of hectares of land across the country.



He maintained the prevailing smog was putting negative impact on the growth and nourishment of all citrus fruits. The rains would be a blessing for all crops and act like an cleansing agent for environment, agriculture and human health, besides it would help in removing the smog and settling down the dust, he pointed out.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 15^th, 2017.