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Punjab likely to produce
14.5m ton wheat
LAHORE–The Punjab province is likely to produce 14.5 million
ton wheat this season (2001-2002), achieving the target of
14.2 million ton despite acute drought conditions.
According to an official estimate, the production, however, is
estimated to remain below this year as compared to the 15.4
million ton crop size of previous season (2000-2001).
The official sources claimed that on the whole, the present
condition of the crop was good and the production target would
be achieved if the temperature remained below 32 Celsius till
the end of this month.
“So far the agroclimate conditions are favourable for crop
growth, an agriculture expert said. He said that one
irrigation of water to the crop, if possible, should be made
at this stage for harvesting a good crop. He said that
currently the temperature was varying between 30 to 33 Celsius
in most of the Punjab as the wheat crop was passing through
most critical stage of grain formation and milking these
days,” he said.
He was of the view that the condition of the crop would be far
better if Punjab did not give its water to Sindh at this
stage. The expert said that prudent water distribution plan of
provincial Irrigation Department and availability of sweet
groundwater, though costlier mean of irrigation,
The agriculture expert said that owing to the proper and
timely planning, by the provincial Agriculture and Irrigation
Departments, the adverse affects of water shortage have almost
effectively been catered. He added that both the departments
prepared plans to counter the water crisis and launched
massive campaign to inform growers about the efficient use of
water available.
It may be noted that the Rabi season (2001-2002) had started
with an estimated 51 per cent shortage which raised up to 70
per cent by the end of last year.
Increase in water inflow: Water inflow has been multiplied at
Jehlum River and Kabul River in last three days from 24,900
cusecs to 45,100 cusecs and from 12,800 cusecs to 23,100
cusecs respectively.
While 28,100 cusec of water has been recorded at Tarbela Dam
at Indus River. According to official data, the authorities
registered
Commenting on the greater river inflow, an irrigation expert
said that water position has been improving gradually mainly
due to rain and the melting of snow. He added that
particularly, owing to recent rains in catchment area and
kashmir also played an important role in this regard.
Courtesy Nation March
27, 2002 |
Pakissan.com;
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