Wheat farmers advised against using urea

Agriculture experts have advised farmers to avoid using urea fertiliser on their wheat crops, as it could cause severe financial loss.

Associate Professor Institute of Agriculture Extension, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) Dr Syed Samina Tahira said that Punjab had witnessed healthy wheat crops until now thanks to the use of phosphorus fertilisers.

Hence, farmers were urged to take appropriate care of their crops and avoid using urea fertilisers. She added that more than 65 days passed after the cultivation of wheat crops.

Read National wheat cultivation record shattered

"At this stage, the unnecessary growth of the plants increases if urea fertilizer is applied and that excessive growth causes damage and decreases the quality of the grain", Dr Tahira warned. The excessive growth of the crop also invites pests, which result in colossal financial loss to the growers, she added.

She further said that due to foggy weather, leaves of the crop turned yellow in some areas. This issue will resolve itself and the colour will change as soon as the sun shines and the temperature rises.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 28^th, 2024.