Monsoon weather system has completely retreated from Pakistan due to which clear skies/dry weather is expected in most of the agricultural plains of the country including central and southern Punjab, KP, Sindh and Balochistan till 30th September 2011, Meteorological department said here on Wednesday.
Light rain may occur at a few places in the northern hilly areas of the country including Potohar plateau and sub mountainous Punjab, KP, Kashmir and GB during this period, normal westerly/north-westerly wind pattern with no significant storm has been predicted in most of the agricultural plains.
In its ten days weather advisory for the farmers (21st September to 30th September) Met office said that rain/thunderstorms of moderate to heavy intensity with gusty winds have been reported from almost all agricultural plains of the country except Balochistan, where rainfall has been reported at a few places of low to moderate intensity during past ten days.
Temperature Forecast: Daytime temperature may remain in range 25-32°C in the agricultural plains of upper half of the country including agricultural plains of northern Punjab, upper KP, Kashmir and GB. In the lower half, it may range between 30 and 38°C including agricultural plains of central and southern Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan during these ten days. However, night temperature is not expected to below freezing in any part of country in the farming zone.
Advice for Farmers: Farmers of the worst hit rain belt may focus their efforts to take care of residual surviving plants of cotton and other crop to support their livelihood. Rice being resistant to surplus water may be the best choice to yield a lot under prevailing conditions before the Rabi sowing.
Government assistance in terms of free seed and fertiliser for Rabi sowing is likely to be launched. Farmers should avail this opportunity to ensure timely sowing of Rabi crops. Stagnant water may badly damage the standing crops in the agricultural plains of Sindh. Therefore drainage of water from fields may be made if possible so that the land may be prepared well on time for the sowing of wheat and other Rabi crops.