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Punjab surpasses wheat
sowing target
LAHORE-Punjab Agriculture Department, despite water shortfall,
not only achieved the wheat sowing target of 15.458 million
acres fixed for 2001-2002, but also surpassed by bringing a
record area of 15.475 million acres under the crop in the
province.
The newly appointed Secretary Agriculture Punjab, Juniad
Iqabal in an interview said that according to estimate, the
crop has been sown on an area of 15.475 million acres as
against 15.458 million acres of the final estimate of last
year which is 0.09 per cent higher.
A practical strategy was evolved on scientific lines for both
irrigated and arid areas to make the best use of available
canal water to bring maximum land under wheat cultivation, he
said.
The Secretary said the wheat sowing was somewhat early this
year in Barani areas due to availability of soil moisture, and
in irrigated areas due to early maturity of rice and cotton
crops owing to hot and dry weather conditions. However, in the
cotton areas, wheat sowing continued up to the first week of
January due to water constraints and late picking of cotton
fields by some growers.
Junaid Iqbal said the prevailing condition of early sown crop
is satisfactory to good. He said that farmers are using
fertilizers with the first irrigation. The germination of
wheat crop is also satisfactory, despite the fact that
rainfall has not been adequate in the province.
The actual size of the crop will depend on the following
critical factors:
a) Rainfall during the instant month to March
b) Mild/favourable temperature during the month of March
c) Availability of canal water after desilting
d) Weed control through use of chemical method
The Secretary said data regarding off-take of DAP, use of
certified and graded seed and use of weedicides is being
compiled and will be finalised shortly.
Juniad dispelled the impression that shortage of canal water
and the ongoing desilting campaign will adversely affect wheat
the growth of wheat crop in the Punjab province. He said facts
on record negated it. He said better management of canal
closure and desilting in both irrigated and Barani areas had
not only helped achieve but also surpass the target, with
prospects of a bumper wheat crop.
He said that all concerned agricultural officers of extension,
water management and field wings have been directed to
continue periodical visits in their respective areas to
provide on the spot guidance and information to growers for
getting bumper crop.
Feb 26, 2002
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Pakissan.com;
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