Rising temperature: Agri dept issues advisory to protect wheat crop

LAHORE: The Punjab Agriculture Department has issued a crop management advisory for wheat growers in view of a sustained rise in temperatures across the province, warning that further increase is forecast over the next seven days.

According to the department’s spokesperson, temperatures have been climbing continuously for the past five days, prompting concern over potential stress on the standing wheat crop at a critical growth stage. Farmers, particularly in rain-fed (barani) areas, have been advised to utilize all available irrigation resources in accordance with crop requirements to mitigate heat stress and safeguard yield potential.

The department recommended that growers spray a 2 percent solution of urea or potassium nitrate (saltpeter) at the rate of 100 to 120 litres per acre. For optimal results, the foliar application should be repeated after an interval of seven days. Farmers have also been urged to regularly monitor their fields and remain vigilant against rust disease. In case of infestation, only the affected patches should be treated with a suitable fungicide after consultation with local agricultural experts.

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