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MULTAN:
Agriculture experts have issued fresh guidelines for wheat farmers across Punjab to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures on crop yield, as the mercury has shown a steady upward trend over the past five days and is expected to remain high for another week.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Agriculture Department said temperatures across the province have been increasing continuously and further rise has been forecast for the next seven days, raising concerns about potential stress on standing wheat crops.
In view of the prevailing weather conditions, wheat growers in rain-fed (Barani) areas have been advised to utilise all available irrigation resources to meet the crop’s water requirements.
Farmers have also been directed to spray a two per cent solution of urea or potassium nitrate (saltpeter) at the rate of 100 to 120 litres per acre to reduce heat stress.
“For improved results, the spray should be repeated after an interval of seven days,” the spokesperson said, urging farmers to monitor their fields regularly.
Growers have also been advised to remain vigilant for possible rust attacks, which may intensify under fluctuating weather conditions.
In case of infection, only the affected areas should be treated with an appropriate fungicide after consulting local agriculture experts.
