Rains to have salutary impact on crops

Monsoon to boost production and save expenses.

FAISALABAD:

The recent spell of rains in the country, especially in Punjab, is expected to have a salutary impact on all standing and upcoming crops in the current Kharif sowing season, say experts.

Agricultural experts told The Express Tribune early rains had provided sugarcane, rice and fodder crops the much-needed moisture, which would greatly benefit not only in terms of productivity but would also save expenditures on diesel and electricity required for running tube wells. “An early spell of monsoon has enabled rice growers to plant the fields on time,” said an expert.

Earlier, cotton crop was under severe stress due to high temperature while sucking pests, especially white fly, and cotton leaf curl virus were increasing, posing a threat to crop growth.

“Rains will accelerate growth and mitigate adverse effects of temperature and pests. However, cotton farmers should pay attention to controlling spread of weeds and worms, which may increase after rains. Farmers should immediately drain excess standing water in low-lying areas to avoid its adverse effects on the crop,” an expert said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2011.