Farmers urged to prepare for gram sowing season
An expert emphasised that the government must provide a level playing field, where farming remains a viable means of livelihood, otherwise people would leave the sector. Photo: file
Agricultural experts have advised farmers to prepare their land for the cultivation of gram crops. A spokesman for the agriculture department said on Saturday that gram cultivation would start in the province during the latter half of September.
Growers were encouraged to immediately prepare their land for the crop. The spokesman said the most suitable time for gram cultivation in Attock, Chakwal and other districts of north Punjab was from September 25 to October 15, while farmers in Gujrat, Jehlum, Rawalpindi and Narowal could start from October 15 to November 10.
Similarly, the best time for gram cultivation in Bhakkar, Jhang, Khushab, Mianwali and Layyah is from October 1 to 30, while farmers in Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and other parts of central Punjab should start cultivation from October 15 to November 15, he said.
The spokesman said that gram was playing a pivotal role in catering to domestic food requirements at a large level.
Therefore, it was recommended for farmers to cultivate it over maximum space of their land.
They should also use approved varieties of gram seeds, including C-44, Punjab-91, Pital-98, Punjab Chana-2000, CM-98, Bital-98 and Neefa-88 to get a bumper crop, as its production would also help in mitigating financial issues for growers due to its attractive market value, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 21st, 2022.