Timely completion of wheat sowing stressed

FAISALABAD:

Punjab agriculture authorities have urged farmers to complete wheat sowing in irrigated areas by November 20 and adopt recommended high-yielding varieties and modern cultivation practices to help achieve the provincial production target of 22.5 million tonnes from 16.5 million acres this season.

A spokesman for the agriculture (extension) department said on Sunday that wheat was one of Pakistan's major food crops and increasing its per-acre yield was essential to meet growing food requirements.

He said wheat sowing had begun in Punjab's irrigated areas, advising farmers to complete the process within the recommended timeframe to ensure better crop growth and higher yields.

The spokesman urged farmers to use certified seeds of approved varieties.

He said the recommended seed rate for normal sowing was 40 to 45 kilogrammes per acre, with a minimum germination capacity of 85 per cent. Farmers cultivating wheat in standing cotton crops should increase the seed rate to 55 to 60 kg per acre. Warning against seed-borne diseases, including Karnal bunt, wheat blast and foot rot, he advised farmers to treat seeds before sowing with recommended fungicides to protect crops and prevent production losses.

He recommended using a rotating drum for uniform seed treatment. Alternatively, farmers can place seeds and the prescribed chemical in a half-filled plastic bag, tie it securely and shake it thoroughly to ensure even coating. Emphasising proper land preparation, the spokesman said well-prepared and levelled fields were essential for healthy crop growth and yields.

Fields with heavy crop residues should be ploughed two to three times, while conventional or laser land levellers should be used wherever necessary, the spokesperson added. He advised farmers to divide fields into smaller sections before pre-sowing irrigation to ensure efficient water use. Ploughing before sunrise, followed by planking, could help control weeds and bring moisture towards the surface.

He also explained the recommended land preparation methods, including a locally practised technique to improve soil condition and encourage uniform seed germination.

For wheat cultivation after cotton and maize, farmers should irrigate fields 15 to 20 days before removing crop stalks to maintain soil moisture.

For dry sowing, he advised farmers to plough fields twice after harvesting the previous crop, followed by a rotavator or disc harrow. Wheat should be sown through a drill at a depth of no more than one inch before irrigation.