Blessing: Rains rejuvenate Rabi crops

Oil-seed crops like sunflower and canola along with grams will also benefit from the precipitation.

ISLAMABAD: After a protracted dry spell, recent rainfall has provided a needed boost to the otherwise slowed growth of the annual Rabbi crops, giving respite to agriculturalists worried about the frosty conditions that harm their winter crops. According to Dr Imtiaz Ahmed from the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), the rains have provided sufficient irrigation for the next 15 to 20 days, which will increase crop yields. Oil-seed crops like sunflower and canola along with grams, apple and apricot plantations will also benefit from the precipitation, added Commissioner Minor Crops Dr Aslam Gill.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 17^th, 2012.