‘Rains to boost agricultural output in S Punjab’

The recent spell of rains will have a positive impact on different crops, vegetables and orchards located in south Punjab.

This was stated by Agriculture Information Assistant Director Abdus Samad on Wednesday. He observed that the rain would have a positive impact on wheat, sugarcane maize, vegetable mango orchards, lentils and some other fodder crops. Due to the lack of rain in south Punjab, the region was surrounded by environmental pollution and dust particles, hovering in the environment, and was creating issues in the proper growth of crops.

The process of photosynthesis had been affected due to dust on leaves. The crops needed the rain. He termed recent rain as vital to infuse new life in agriculture. Similarly, the rain also provided nitrogen to the crops as it was present in the atmosphere. Similarly, Abdus Samad, maintained that the rain would be helpful in saving millions of rupees of the farmers. The region was facing the issue of water scarcity due to the closure of some canals. Although rain would improve fruiting to mango orchards there was also the threat of bacterial infection.

Black spots could emerge on mango leaves.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2022.