Zehri hopes for bumper wheat crop

ISLAMABAD: Recent rains, normal temperature, better water supply and increase in sowing of rain-fed areas would have a positive impact on wheat production.

Mir Israr Ullah Zehri, Federal Minister for Food and Agriculture stated this in a statement issued here on Saturday.

'The wheat sowing rain-fed area has been increased by 18.8 per cent in Punjab and 8 per cent in Sindh. Recent rains will definitely enhance the overall wheat production in the country. Normal temperature and better water supply will be the added advantages to increase the production of wheat', said the minister.

The minister, however, said that accurate estimates would be possible after receiving data from the provinces in April.

He said that Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPPARCO) has also forecast a very good crop this year.

'The Rabbi Assistance Package has greatly helped and enabled the farmers to sow wheat after the worst floods hit the country', added the minister.