Rainfall To Prove As Blessing For Seasonal Crops

Agricultural experts and growers say the current spell of rainfall in major parts of the country will make a positive impact on all seasonal Rabi crops including wheat-the key food crop of the country

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Dec, 2018 ) :Agricultural experts and growers say the current spell of rainfall in major parts of the country will make a positive impact on all seasonal Rabi crops including wheat-the key food crop of the country.

Besides, wheat, the rain would also affect positively the vegetables, pulses, oil seed crops, fodder for livestock, and fruits, Food Security Commissioner at Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Dr Imtiaz Ahmd Gopang said.

Talking to APP, he said rains would leave a beneficial environmental impact specially for fruit orchards such as orange as it would help improving the quality and taste of the fruit.

He said the current spell of rains, which is likely to persist for another 24 hours would also help minimize water shortage by 35 per cent during the current Rabi season and strengthen the water storage in mini and small dams for irrigation.

Besides, it would also help in better germination of all major and minor crops seeds cultivated for the current sowing season including wheat, mustard, onions, garlic, pulses, and canola and enhance their production, he remarked.

According to meteorological office, a westerly wave affecting upper and central parts of the country has caused first winter rainfall during last 24 hours in most parts of the country.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported on Monday that during last 24 hours, Rawalpindi received 14 millimeters of rain, Chakwal 11 mm, Layyah 08 mm, Jhang 06 mm, Sialkot 03 mm, Gujranwala 02 mm, Peshawar 18 mm, D.I, Khan 03 mm, Dera Ghazi Khan 04 mm, Saidu Sharif 21 mm, and Risalpur received 14 mm of rain.

Dr Imtiaz Gopang said, in southern and central parts of the country, wheat crop had now crossed the germination stage and entered into vegetative stage and at this stage, the crop needs moisture, therefore rainfall are very beneficial for the crop.

"Recent rains would help good growth of the wheat plant and make it more healthier," he said adding "If there are more rains during next month, we can expect a bumper wheat crop this season".

He said good spell of rains in arid areas of the country would also help raise the deflating underground water level which would ultimately help farmers to feed their crops with the required water.

Ameer Abbas, a farmer of district Muzaffar Garh said, a timely and good spell of rain not only have positive impact on crops' health but it also has blessing in disguise as it provides the farmers a huge relief by reducing the input cost of water and fertilizers.

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