Spell of rains good for crops in Potohar region

Official says region dependent on rains for both Rabi and Kharif crops

RAWALPINDI:

The present spell of rain would positively affect the wheat and olive crops as the Met Office forecast more rain in the next 24 hours, said former Director Agriculture Department Dr Shahid Sajjad on Thursday.

Barani or rain-fed areas of the Potohar region were dependent on rains for both Rabi and Kharif crops, and the present spells of rains will hopefully have a good effect on standing wheat. In contrast, the gram crop was expected to be a significant beneficiary.

Dr Sajjad said that the rains would increase per acre yield and enhance the overall wheat production in the country. However, he advised the gram growers to be careful and take appropriate measures in consultation with agriculture experts to save gram crops from damage.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the city received around 5mm of rainfall at Chaklala and 6mm at Shamsabad, while at Zero point, 5mm and received 4-inch of snowfall in Murree.

Meanwhile, rain spells may disrupt the third and fourth day of the historical test match between Pakistan and Australia amid the prevailing inclement weather of Rawalpindi.

Pakistan Meteorological Department Spokesman Dr Zaheer Ahmad Babar said weather would remain partially clouded on Friday (today) and Saturday (tomorrow) in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, but there was no chance of heavy rain on the first two days of the Test match.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2022.